ASIA/CAMBODIA - The Church of Phnom Penh launches the Year of Charity

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) - The Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh announced the opening of a special "Year of Charity": this is the first visible fruit of the Diocesan Synod, which was held from September 25 to 28. As reported to Fides, the Diocesan Synod was attended by about 300 delegates from parishes, communities, associations, religious congregations. The central theme of the assembly was charity: the love of God, love towards one’s neighbor.
As Fides learns, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusleur, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, addressed the participants saying, "If we do not give food to the poor, we are murderers". "The greatest sin in society today is indifference towards one's neighbor, especially those who are suffering or are in need", he said.
The Bishop said: "God is love. God loves each of us and allows us to serve others, to love them and give them hope. God has chosen us as his instruments, as messengers of redemption and salvation, especially towards the poorest". The wish expressed by the Apostolic Vicar is that in Cambodian society the distance between the very few rich and the many poor is reduced and values such as "solidarity, cooperation and brotherhood" are experienced.
The Bishop said that the Catholic Church is traditionally engaged in social and charitable activities and urged the faithful to fully live the Year of Charity, rediscovering this commitment. "Christ taught us to serve. During this year, God encourages the community to have renewed interest and loving care towards the poor", he concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2014)


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