Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Phnom Pen (Agenzia Fides) - Catholics in the village of Preik Sbaw, province of Kompong Tom, in the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang have a new church. The blessing and inauguration of the new place of worship in August meant that at last the community has a place for prayer, Sunday catechism for the children, instruction in the faith for young people and adults, planning and organisation of charity initiatives to assist the poorest and most needy villagers.
The church was built with funds from the Holy See, Japanese Catholic donors and with the help of local villagers, some of them Buddhists, who offered material, time and skills. The church was consecrated by the Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Bishop Enrique Figaredo SJ. In his homily the Prefect said he hoped the new church would become a centre for radiating the message of Christ. The villagers responded with enthusiasm, a vital testimony of the faith which leads others to embrace the faith.
Pastoral priorities in this area include in-depth formation for lay Christians to enable them to fulfil their role in the Church; instruction in the faith for children; social apostolate; and relations with other people of other beliefs, Buddhists in particular.
The first missionary arrived here in 1555 Dominican Father Gaspar De Cruz. Last year 2005 the Catholic community in Cambodia, today 30,000 Catholics in a population of 12 million, celebrated 450 years of presence of the Christian faith. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/9/2006 Righe: 29 Parole: 308)
