ASIA/CAMBODIA - A new priest in the Church of Phnom Penh: vocations flourish

Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) - The Church of Phnom Penh has welcomed a new diocesan priest, Father Pierre Sok Na. As reported to Fides by the Apostolic Vicar, His Exc. Mgr. Olivier Schmitthaeusler, MEP, the new priest will serve in the south of Phnom Penh. "We thank God for this gift and ask the Lord to fill his ministry of service and love for the faithful with his love, but also for all those who seek light, peace and mercy in their shattered lives" says the Apostolic Vicar to Fides.
The new priest was ordained on June 27. The faithful of the Vicariate gathered for a special "Night of Prayer for Vocations". "Surely the Lord listens to the prayers of those who implore" notes Mgr. Schmitthaeusler.
The Vicariate of Phnom Penh has ordained, since 2001, three Cambodian priests. And vocations are not lacking. "In September 2015 we will have three seminarians in their second year and two in their third year", he recalls. The formation of seminarians is distributed over a six-year cycle and is guaranteed in Cambodian language by many missionary priests: "They make themselves available for this vital service for the construction of the local Church" continues the Vicar.
"We must not forget our school for the laity - he adds - where 50 adults baptized are formed on theology, spirituality, history, Bible, ethics and social teaching to strengthen their faith. This is our Church that throws a seed for its future".
Also during July and August, the young Catholics attend Youth Day organized by the Episcopal Conference of Laos and Cambodia from August 10 to 16 in Cambodia, while from 20 to 23 August a camp for young people on the theme of vocation will be held in Sihanoukville. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 06/07/2015)