First Pastoral Gathering in Siem Reap Brings Cambodian Church Together as One Large Family

Around 600 clergy, religious and lay leaders gathered in Siem Reap, Cambodia on February 5 and 6 for the first pastoral assembly of its kind in the Vicariate of Phnom Penh, marking a significant moment of communion and shared mission for the local Catholic community. The two day meeting was organized by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler and Coadjutor Bishop Peter Hangly Suon at the Sokha Siem Reap Hotel in northwestern Cambodia.

Participants represented 10 pastoral centers across the region, including North of Phnom Penh, South of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Thmey, Sihanoukville Koh Kong, Kampot Kep, Takeo, Holy Way, Mekong River, Bassac River and Ta Khmau. The gathering brought together priests, religious men and women, parish staff and lay collaborators who serve in various ministries throughout the vicariate.

The event opened with a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving presided over by Bishop Schmitthaeusler, with Bishop Hangly concelebrating. In his homily, Bishop Schmitthaeusler reflected on the vital contribution of pastoral workers in the life of the Church in Cambodia. He highlighted their involvement not only in faith formation but also in education, healthcare, the arts, human development, eco tourism and social communications. He reminded those present that their mission is rooted in guiding and nurturing the spirit, soul and heart of the people entrusted to their care, encouraging love and empathy grounded in truth so that individuals may take responsibility for their own lives.

The program also included time for cultural appreciation and fellowship. Participants visited Angkor Wat, the historic temple complex recognized as a World Heritage site and one of Cambodia’s most important cultural landmarks. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s rich heritage while strengthening bonds among pastoral workers.

In the evening session, representatives from each pastoral center presented their activities and initiatives. These presentations showcased the Church’s presence in areas such as youth and adolescent ministry, charitable outreach, Catholic media, human resource development, faith formation and the arts. The exchange allowed participants to better understand the diversity of pastoral efforts across the vicariate and to identify shared challenges and opportunities.

Bishop Schmitthaeusler described the gathering as One Large Family and expressed gratitude to the priests, religious and lay collaborators whom he called the vital engine of hope in their communities. Bishop Hangly encouraged participants to cultivate bigger hearts, urging them to remain united and hopeful in God’s love, especially during moments of hardship, tension or misunderstanding.

Many attendees voiced appreciation for the opportunity to meet face to face. For several pastoral workers, previous communication had been limited to phone calls or digital messaging. The gathering strengthened personal relationships and deepened the sense of shared mission within the Catholic community of the Vicariate of Phnom Penh. The assembly concluded with a communal dinner celebrating unity and service.