{"id":53864,"date":"2026-02-08 07:45:30","modified":"2026-02-11 13:09:59","title":"Bishop Calls Vicariate of Phnom Penh as \u201cOne Large Family\u201d at First-Ever Pastoral Gathering in Siem Reap","excerpt":"","thumbnail":"https:\/\/catholiccambodia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_36_2026-02-08_07-39-52-1.jpg","link":"https:\/\/catholiccambodia.org\/?p=53864&lang=en","content":"

The Catholic Vicariate of Phnom Penh in Cambodia held its first-ever pastoral gathering under the theme \u201cThe Vicariate of Phnom Penh Is Full of Life\u201d, bringing together clergy, religious, and lay leaders for a celebration of communion, mission, and shared service.<\/strong><\/p>

The two-day gathering was held on February 5\u20136, 2026, at the Sokha Siem Reap Hotel, in Siem Reap, northwestern Cambodia, under the leadership and guidance of Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler and Coadjutor Bishop Peter Hangly Suon.<\/p>

The program began on the afternoon of February 5, with around 600 participants, including priests serving the vicariate, religious men and women, staff from various Church sectors, and parish committee representatives from 10 pastoral centers: North of Phnom Penh, South of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Thmey, Sihanoukville\u2013Koh Kong, Kampot\u2013Kep, Takeo, Holy Way, Mekong River, Bassac River, and Ta Khmau.<\/p>

On the morning of February 6, a solemn Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated, presided over by Bishop Olivier and concelebrated by Bishop Hangly. In his homily, Bishop Olivier reminded participants of their essential role in bringing \u201clight\u201d and \u201cabundant life\u201d to the people through the Church\u2019s many ministries, including education, healthcare, the arts, human development, eco-tourism, and social communications.<\/p>

\u201cOur unique role is to guide and nurture the spirit, soul, and heart of the people entrusted to us, including ourselves,\u201d Bishop Olivier said. \u201cWe do this by showing love and empathy in truth, so that each person can take responsibility for their own life.\u201d<\/p>

He added that every sector of the Church functions as a \u201csmall light,\u201d enabling everyone to contribute to the building of society today.<\/p>

In the afternoon, participants visited Angkor Wat, a World Heritage site and one of Cambodia\u2019s most treasured cultural legacies. The day concluded with an evening program featuring presentations from the 10 pastoral centers, as well as performances highlighting the Church\u2019s presence in education, human resource development, charitable works, youth and adolescent ministry, Catholic media, faith formation, and the arts.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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