WE COME TOGETHER TO THANK GOD

Posted: 5th December 2006

Bishop Kike Figaredo

(CSC) -- When we get to the end of the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the presence of the Catholic Church in Cambodia, it is a very good occasion for us to thank God as well as to share some reflections about our the future of our mission.

First of all, we pray and thank God for the gift of faith, but especially for so many good people who dare to come to Cambodia to share their faith in Jesus Christ. The word of God came to Cambodia thanks to brave people who had strong faith, left their homes and native countries and dare to face all kind of difficulties in order to their faith. It is so great having received this gift.

Secondly, we shall understand that the history of the Church goes beyond our narrow mind and vision. Many good things happened in these 450 years such as the presence of very nice communities with Churches in several corners of the country. We can say that today we have a meaningful and strong presence in Cambodia through different services to the poor.

However, the Church has also faced many difficulties: wars, persecutions, martyrs who sacrificed their lives because of their faith. There have been several new beginnings of the Church in the middle of difficult times but the Spirit of God has always led the Church.

Thirdly, we have to plan looking to the future of the Church. We are called to renovate the mission of the Church with deep joy. We ask ourselves, taking into account the history behind us in the presence of God, what are the most urgent and most important needs of the Church in Cambodia, today. How can we serve and love others in the best way? We have new challenges to face in order to make the Word of God present in the Cambodian society. It is our responsibility to make the Church to become an instrument of God’s presence among the poor, by telling the story of Jesus and witnessing God’s love to all Cambodians.

Kike Figaredo sj.
Battambang, December 3, 2006

Article Source: Catholic Social Communications, Cambodia