Bangkok, THAILAND – Sister Bernardine is a contemplative nun from the Carmelite convent in Chanthaburi, near the Cambodian border.  For many people the nuns at Chanthaburi convent can appear as reclusive, cut off from the world. But for Catholics, and not only them, they are someone to turn to for help and prayers.

In Thailand there are many contemplative nuns like Sister Bernardine, leading a convent life. They are numerous in a country, the land of the Free (which is the meaning of the word Thai), that has 13 convents.

In addition to convents founded by Carmelite nuns, Thailand is home to convents established by the Poor Clares. Since 1936 Capuchin contemplative sisters have been present at Ban Pong with their charism dedicated to a life of humility, poverty, communion and the simple mission of praying the Divine Office.