Presided over by Msgr. Bruno Cosme, the Apostolic administrator of Kampong Cham, Srs. Penh Hill and Chan Rotha who belongs to the congregation of Sisters Lovers of the Cross renew their vows to continue religious missions to serve the Apostolic Prefecture of Kampong Cham for another year. The ceremony was held on May 27, 2020 and attended by priests and other nuns of the Kampong Cham City church.

Msgr. Bruno said in his homily: “God made us. So, may we receive His gifts. But this world doesn’t seem to have received the word of God and perhaps the world doesn’t understand about the word. But most importantly, the gift allows us priests and nuns to have the capacity to receive the word.”

He reminded those gathered of phrase of Acts 20:35, saying: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.”

He explained, saying: “What we receive, we don’t keep, but we are allowed to share it. This is heritance that helps us collaborate with God, who is building the Church. What we receive is for God, for our brothers and sisters to help build the Church.”

He further said: “Today, we are reminded of the vows of sisters and our promises [priests]. It is that which, shows our identities – the mission we receive from God, from the Church and we still continue building His Church along with God.”

Sr. Penh Hill said that she had served the Church in SteungTreng province for two years. She had gone down to villagers to educate children on personal hygiene. She had visited elderly people and educated catechumens on faith. Though being happy with the services, she had experienced some obstacles in life.

The nun further said that in certain circumstances she had been discouraged when her parents encountered difficulties. She had also been unwell – a time of hopelessness and wanted to abandon her services to God.

She choked up when saying: “At that time…it was really difficult. I also look for a priest for help and confess my sins to him. But it did not help. What helped me is that I apologised to God. Everything is purified by God for me to become a holy person.”

She added that nothing is better than humility to know God. All illnesses that she had in her heart was replaced with genuine prayers leading her to realise that “God came to look for me.” Life experience of the hopelessness made Sr. hill stronger in her faith.

She continued by saying: “I was gravely ill and I prayed. I then felt His hand touch me like a breeze touching my back. At that time, I prostrated myself before the pavilion. Suddenly, my pain disappeared.”

On the other hand, Sr. Rotha who handles church affairs in Prey Veng province also said that she had been very happy over these two years. “Since I put on the veil until now, I never thought of leaving the congregation. All obstacles that I had were small, especially when working without much pressure as working with nuns and priests,I experience their love, and understanding.” However, she was tempted somewhat, but it was just a short time for her.

She further said: “Women have a heart. Sometimes, I feel what if I have a family it may be different but that feeling is short lived. But the strongest feeling is loving the Church. In the Church there is joy and I too have that joy. When the Church is hurt and cries, I cry along with the Church.” She encourages all Catholic youths to dare to choose a life path to walk with the Calling of God rather than walk on an earthly course.

She added: “No matter which path we choose, we do love our choice, it is not wrong. Don’t let yourself close your heart, not daring to receive the reality. We are afraid of the surrounding atmosphere. Don’t be afraid! If God calls you, please go. When going, God will pave the way for us and joy will come.”