On 19 August, the Cambodian Church and the Society of Jesus were gifted with the first-ever Cambodian Jesuit priest, Fr Damo Martin Chour SJ.
The ordination programme began a little after 9 am and lasted for about two hours. Fr Totet Banaynal SJ had spent many days in Battambang organising every small detail of the programme. The choir and the dancers added to the mood of the celebration, making it more special.
On Friday, 19 May 2023, Sch. Paul the Convert Do Thanh Nguyen, S.J. was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh.
The joyous celebration was done in Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Phnom Penh Thmey Diocesan Pastoral Center with approximately 200 people attending, from families, friends, and collaborators of Jesuit mission Cambodia.
On 22-31 March 2023, we made an exhibition at Gallery1898, Seoul Korea. It featured a variety of crosses made of wood from Banteay Prieb houses.
In preparing this exhibition, I came to realize that Banteay Prieb was a home for so many individuals who were able to find the resources they need in order to root their lives. Therefore, creating crosses from the wood of student boarding houses is not merely a creation of art. Moreover, it is an act of preservation.
JRS Cambodia is very blessed to become our mission, allowing us to accompany, serve and advocate. Team members, often disabled or refugees themselves, accompany their peers offering them friendship and encouragement. As they listen to their stories, they know what services are really needed and try to help with housing, income generation, wheelchairs, and education. As well, they are impelled to advocate for changes that will impact on the dignity of their lives and prevent further displacement of place and trauma.
When I was younger, I felt that I had a lot of talents and could have a lot of opportunities to play. As I grew older, I found myself more and more as the servant who held only one talent. All I have is a heart that wants to help students thrive, accompanied by more than a decade of teaching experience. If I leave Cambodia, it’s like burying this talent in the ground and turning a blind eye. So, I decided to stay and continue to work….
The Magis group helps me to be healthy, both mentally and spiritually. I can have fun while attending this Ignatian formation program. In the group, we are like a family. I feel safe to share some of the problems that I have hidden in my heart and also listen to others who share their life experiences.
