In this Jubilee Year, World Mission Sunday focuses on hope. A wonderful example of missionaries working together with local communities to rebuild hope is evident in Battambang, Cambodia.
On the wall of Mary, Mother of the Church is a plaque which draws attention to the bullet holes defacing it. During the Civil War of 1967-75 and the subsequent brutal oppression of 1975-79, hundreds of local people – Catholics and non-Catholics alike – sought and found safety within these walls, while the regime rained machine gun fire from helicopters above.
Tragically, many people were killed and are buried around the church. Thankfully, many also found refuge. Mary, Mother of the Church is so-called because it is the only surviving church building from before the war.
Thoem, a catechist in the parish, explains:
‘Because of our history, the Church had to start again in 1991. Many Catholic families at that time had been refugees in Thailand. When they came back to Cambodia, the Church started again.’
The building was returned to the Church in 2003 and in an agreement with the government, the Church built a school which still serves the local community. From these scarred bricks and mortar a community has flourished; building connection between young and old, Catholic and Buddhist, and inviting everyone to share in hope. Here, you will find a warm welcome, a hot meal, guidance and advice, and a chance to pray and grow together in faith.
One Saturday in 2024, local catechists hosted a youth formation day for the parish. Around 30 young people – both Buddhist and Catholic – gathered to explore the Catholic faith. As evening fell, they made their way to the river beside the church to launch floral lanterns they had crafted.
These floating lanterns, a Buddhist tradition marking the end of Cambodia’s Water Festival, symbolised how the Church is embracing Khmer culture within Catholic life. Led by catechists, the group prayed in Khmer, offering thanks to God for water, and reciting the Hail Mary and Lord’s Prayer. Then, by the glow of lanterns, they released their lights into the dark river.
Join us for World Mission Sunday
Cambodia is just one wonderful example of missionaries working together with local communities to rebuild hope – even in communities where poverty and hardship are never far away. World Mission Sunday is a perfect time to support the brave missionaries around the world who work tirelessly to bring hope to all God’s children, regardless of their background or belief. Click on the links below to find out more about this year’s campaign, and how you can be ‘a Missionary Of Hope Among All Peoples’.
