Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) - Although modest in size and number of students, Saint Jean Marie Vianney major Catholic seminary in Phnom Penh organises various events and initiatives for youth groups on different occasions. Recently the Seminary hosted a meeting for about a hundred young men and women to discuss how to launch a project to help poor city children. Two seminarians studying philosophy at Phnom Penh University will soon be asked to share with first year students the experience of their vocation, their desire to become Catholic priests. One of the seminarians has been elected 2007 group leader by 200 philosophy students.
About twenty students asked to join the project to help the city’s poor children. Condensed milk, rice and drinks were collected the distributed by the students accompanied by Christian youths. “It is something small but it is good to do something for others” said one of the seminarians.
Formation in the Seminary adapts to the situation of the Church in Cambodia and the number of seminarians. The seminarians attend a four year course of philosophy at Phnom Penh Royal University. Whereas courses in spiritual formation and theology are given at the seminary. One seminarian is rpesently completing his general education before starting philosophy in October this year.
Years of war and disorder prevented many young people from receiving a proper education. In the year 2000 when the first candidates to the priesthood were accepted they had to be given a course in general education to enable them to follow normal academic studies. (PB) (Agenzia Fides 1/3/2007; righe 23, parole 312)
