{"id":52484,"date":"2025-10-24 16:24:42","modified":"2025-10-24 16:24:43","title":"CACD Meeting, Focuses on Love for the Poor and Maintaining Social Peace","excerpt":"","thumbnail":"https:\/\/catholiccambodia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_8_2025-10-24_16-10-47.jpg","link":"https:\/\/catholiccambodia.org\/?p=52484&lang=en","content":"

(Phnom Penh): In the afternoon of October 20, 2025, the meeting of the Catholic Alliance for Charity and Development (CACD) was held at the headquarters of Caritas Cambodia, presided over by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, the Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh.<\/p>

Serving the Poor and Building Harmony<\/strong><\/p>

In his opening address, the Bishop reminded all attendees to reflect on their way of life, to be attentive, and to act as a bridge for building peace and harmony, in line with the guidance found in  for World Mission Sunday. He stated that God is love, which motivates us to love our brothers and sisters.<\/p>

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In addition, Bishop Olivier encouraged reflection on the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV on love for the poor. The Pope emphasized that a fundamental tenet for Christians is to care for the poor, as we believe that encountering any poor person is like encountering Jesus himself, and Jesus himself took on the state of the poor. Bishop Olivier explained that the term \"poor\" does not only refer to those lacking material wealth, but also to those lacking in spiritual life, those who are isolated, affected by materialism, lacking morality, virtue, and respect for human dignity. Bishop Olivier reiterated that their current service is crucial for the poor, helping them escape poverty to live with dignity, and helping those who have lost hope to regain it.<\/p>

Social Morality and Vigilance<\/strong><\/p>

Bishop Olivier praised all CACD members for their service to Cambodian society across the country. He reminded everyone to help the people they meet understand that life is valuable, that all people are brothers and sisters, and to help prevent hatred, especially during the current period of strained relations between Cambodia and Thailand. He stressed the importance of creating educational programs and using social media with ethical principles, avoiding the spread of fake news, and refraining from inciting violence through the media. He emphasized the need to foster a culture of mutual respect and forgiveness, so as to serve their brothers and sisters in a harmonious existence.<\/p>

Regarding the sharp increase in online scams and human trafficking in Cambodia and the region, Bishop Olivier urged all organizations to educate the public, especially parents, guardians, and youth, to be highly aware and vigilant so as not to fall victim to fraud.<\/p>

Report on Workers and Refugees<\/strong><\/p>

Following Bishop Olivier's reflection, the assembly heard a brief report on the situation of refugees and migrant workers who had returned from Thailand to Cambodia, as well as the various impacts resulting from the border closure related to the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The report also covered the ongoing efforts by Catholic organizations and government institutions to assist refugees who remain in camps and migrant workers returning from Thailand.<\/p>

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