About 600 participants from 10 pastoral centers come together in Siem Reap, Cambodia for the first pastoral gathering of clergy, religious, and lay leaders for “communion, mission and shared service”.
By Mark Robin Destura, RCJ
In northwestern Cambodia in Siem Reap, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler and Coadjutor Bishop Peter Hangly Suon organized a gathering in the Sokha Siem Reap Hotel for two days on February 5-6 for pastoral workers.
About 600 participants attended the celebration which includes priests, religious men and women, parish staffs and representatives from the 10 pastoral centers: North of Phnom Penh, South of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Thmey, Sihanoukville–Koh Kong, Kampot–Kep, Takeo, Holy Way, Mekong River, Bassac River, and Ta Khmau.
Celebrating together
Bishop Schmitthaeusler presided over a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving and Bishop Hangly concelebrated. In his homily, Bishop Schmitthaeusler emphasized the essential role of these pastoral workers and religious in the ministry of the Church, which includes “education, healthcare, the arts, human development, eco-tourism, and social communications.”
He said, “Our unique role is to guide and nurture the spirit, soul, and heart of the people entrusted to us, including ourselves.” He continued, “We do this by showing love and empathy in truth, so that each person can take responsibility for their own life.”
As part of their program, the participants visited Angkor Wat, a World Heritage site and one of Cambodia’s most treasured cultural legacies. At the end of the day, they had an evening program with presentations from the 10 pastoral centers, highlighting “the Church’s presence in education, human resource development, charitable works, youth and adolescent ministry, Catholic media, faith formation, and the arts.”
Message of encouragement
Bishop Schmitthaeusler called the gathering “One Large Family” and thanked the priests, religious and lay collaborators who are the “vital engine” in sharing hope in their different walks of life.
Bishop Hangly encouraged the pastoral workers to have “bigger hearts” to remain hopeful and united in God’s love particularly “in moments of hardships, tension or misunderstanding.”
Appreciation for the event
Participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to meet one another as one family working in the Vicariate of Phnom Penh. Mr. Prak Phearak, from the Sihanoukville–Koh Kong pastoral center said, “Previously, our communication was limited to Telegram or phone calls. Meeting in person made it much easier to build relationships.”
From another pastoral center in Boeung Tumpun, Ms. Teresa Chem Sreymich expressed her appreciation, “I did not know many brothers and sisters from other parishes before. Today I met so many, both long-time workers and newcomers. This program is a gift from God through the leadership of Bishop Olivier. I hope there will be more gatherings like this in the future.”
They ended their gathering with a communal dinner sharing the spirit of unity and service as “One Large Family” working in the Vicariate of Phnom Penh.
