Spiritual Health Pastoral Care for the Deaf: The Role of the Roman Catholic Church in Thailand through the Deaf Catholic Association of Thailand
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Abstract
This research aimed to (1) examine the spiritual pastoral care processes for deaf people conducted by the Deaf Catholic Association of Thailand (DCAT) at the Holy Spirit Chapel, (2) analyze the alignment of these processes with the World Health Organization's (WHO) concept of spiritual health, and (3) recommend public health policy guidelines supporting deaf access to spiritual health. A qualitative research methodology employing participatory observation was employed over a five-month period from September 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026. The study received ethical approval from the Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University (COA. No. MUPH 2025-121).
Findings revealed that activities could be classified into four categories: (1) religious rituals conducted in Thai Sign Language, (2) scripture sharing and religious instruction adapted for deaf participants, (3) community-building and social support activities, and (4) active participation of deaf individuals as primary facilitators. These activities align with WHO's spiritual health dimensions encompassing meaning in life, psychological connectedness, and community engagement. A critical policy gap was identified in the absence of state-level recognition for sign language interpreter services in religious activities.
This research demonstrates that the Roman Catholic Church plays a significant role in promoting spiritual health for the deaf community and recommends that the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security develop policies to expand access to spiritual well-being services for deaf individuals.
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