{"id":54390,"date":"2026-03-16 09:57:09","modified":"2026-03-16 09:57:09","title":"Cambodian Bishop Honors Vietnamese Priest\u2019s Sacrifice at 80th Death Anniversary","excerpt":"","thumbnail":"https:\/\/catholiccambodia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2026-03-12_22-46-54.jpg","link":"https:\/\/catholiccambodia.org\/?p=54390&lang=en","content":"

Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, paid tribute to the heroic sacrifice of Vietnamese priest Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier Tr\u01b0\u01a1ng B\u1eedu Di\u1ec7p during a Mass marking the 80th anniversary of his death on March 12 at Plov Trey Parish.<\/strong><\/p>

In his homily, the bishop highlighted the priest\u2019s ultimate act of love and its enduring message for faith, reconciliation, and social harmony.<\/p>

About 2,000 people, including Catholics, Buddhists, and visitors of various nationalities, attended the commemoration in what the bishop described as a sacred gathering reflecting unity across cultures and religions.<\/p>

A sacrifice rooted in love<\/strong><\/p>

Recalling the events of March 12, 1946, Bishop Schmitthaeusler said Tr\u01b0\u01a1ng B\u1eedu Di\u1ec7p was arrested along with 70 other Catholics during a period of turmoil.<\/p>

According to historical accounts, the priest offered himself in place of the others, saying: \u201cTake only me; please release the other 70 Catholics.\u201d<\/p>

The bishop described the act as a \u201ctangible martyrdom,\u201d demonstrating a profound love for others and a willingness to give one\u2019s life for their freedom.<\/p>

Three pillars for harmony<\/strong><\/p>

Drawing inspiration from the priest\u2019s life, the bishop highlighted three principles for building peaceful societies.<\/p>

Welcoming without discrimination: He urged people to build bridges among communities, emphasizing that Khmer, Vietnamese, and foreigners, religious or not, are all part of one human family.<\/p>

The power of forgiveness: Peace, he said, is not simply the absence of conflict but the result of dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation<\/p>

The strength of prayer: Referring to global challenges, the bishop remarked that while gasoline prices may rise, the \u201cfuel of prayer\u201d remains free and sustains people in difficult times.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

A message of hope<\/strong><\/p>

With conflicts affecting many parts of the world, the bishop said the Lenten season invites Christians to journey with Jesus and allow their hearts to be transformed.<\/p>

\u201cSuffering leads to patience, patience leads to endurance, and endurance leads to hope,\u201d he said, calling on the faithful to become signs of peace and witnesses of God\u2019s mercy.<\/p>

Tr\u01b0\u01a1ng B\u1eedu Di\u1ec7p previously served at Plov Trey Parish in Kandal Province, about 40 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. He was killed in Vietnam on March 12, 1946.<\/p>

The Vatican is scheduled to beatify him on July 2, 2026, officially recognizing him as \u201cBlessed.\u201d<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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