Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) – “With Paul to announce the Gospel ”: is the title of a Pastoral Letter issued by the Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh Archbishop Emiles Destombes on the occasion of the opening of the Year of St Paul, in which, citing cites the Letter to the Corinthians the Archbishop says: “ preaching the gospel gives me nothing to boast of, woe to me if I did not preach the gospel !” (1 Cor 9,16), encouraging the faithful to imitate St Paul.
The Archbishop especially encourages children and young people to be witnesses of Christ who is everything to everyone. He asks "every parish and religious community and Catholic institute in the Vicarite to help young people hear the Lord's call and to be responsible messengers of the Word they have received".
As part of preparation for the Year a small commentary on the Letters of St Paul was issued to all parishes. Initiatives during the year will include study meetings on St Paul's Letters; a video on St Paul to be shown at Catholic schools; for priests and religious the Vicariate has arranged days of formation on St Paul's theology.
Archbishop Destombes concludes saying that he sees the Year of St Paul as a challenge, a “golden opportunity for our Catholic community" to announce the gospel with more intensity and may this year be a missionary year for our little Church and may we be for Cambodian society a sign of peace and love ”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 1/7/2008 righe 27 parole 279)
