Cambodia: a Church among the
people despite Covid19
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| Workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, being screened for coronavirus infection (ANSA) |
The Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh in Cambodia has been
using creative ways to continue its pastoral service amid the coronavirus
emergency, says Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler.
By Robin Gomes
"Our heart is turned and entrusted to Our Lady of
Smiles, amid the rice fields of Cambodia,” amid the emergency to curb the
coronavirus infection, said Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of
Phnom Penh, the capital.
As of Tuesday, Cambodia had a total of 122 reported cases of
the infection with 110 recoveries and no deaths.
However, the government has taken aggressive action against
the spread of the disease, closing down and restricting several sectors in
stages since March 7. Religious gatherings and public activities have
been banned by the Ministry of Health and schools have been closed until
further notice.
Creativity
"The Catholic Church in this context has tried to
organize itself creatively and proactively. All the gatherings in our
communities: masses, common prayers, meetings, seminars are suspended and all
our schools are closed, but the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh has been very
active in trying to continue pastoral service", Bishop Schmitthaeusler
told the Vatican’s Fides news agency.
The bishop established a special "Covid-19 task force"
on March 19 with representatives from the various sectors of the Apostolic
Vicariate.
On Sunday, Catholics began celebrating Mass and daily rosary
streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. The vicariate’s social
communications service is open 24 hours a day to allow the faithful to come in
communion with their community since no more than 4 persons can physically come
together for church services.
Shepherds among their sheep
The apostolic vicar has asked every priest to live in a
community of the vicariate to celebrate the sacraments, certainly without the
faithful, saying this presence is precious and is a sign of concrete closeness
to the people of the villages.
Bishop Schmitthaeusler himself does not live in the bishop’s
house but has temporarily moved to the parish of Our Lady of Smiles, 90
kilometres from Phnom Penh, where he was parish priest earlier for 10
years.
The parish is home to the largest Cambodian community in the
Apostolic Vicariate, as well as a large part of the education and development
programmes.
“I celebrated the Paschal Triduum which was broadcast with
whatever facilities were available in the middle of the rice fields,” the
bishop proudly recounts.
Education
The schools of the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh have
also set up online courses for students from primary to high school. St.
Paul’s Institute is also planning to start a complete distance education
programme for students. Online training has also been set up for kindergarten
teachers, the bishop said.
Catholic charity amid Covid-19
The Church’s charity is also very active, says the
bishop. Its charity and development "Alliance", made up of
Catholic charities, religious congregations, offices and bodies working
especially in healthcare, Catholic education and social service sectors, the
bishop says, is very active and is preparing for the post-covid 19 era.
“We are distributing food, soap and face masks for the
needy,” Bishop Schmitthaeusler says, adding, the Covid-19 will leave lasting
effects on the most vulnerable. There will be people without jobs,
soaring debts and closed businesses. “In the name of the risen Jesus
Christ,” he says, the Church’s social services and charities will be able to
serve the needy.
70 catechumens were scheduled to receive Baptism at the
Easter Vigil Mass but could not because of the coronavirus emergency.
“May they remain strong in faith in this time of trial,” the bishop prayed,
hoping they will be able to receive it sacrament in the joy of the Spirit on
Pentecost Sunday.
Cambodia has some 20,000 Catholics, forming just 0.13% of
its some 16 million population that is about 97% Buddhist. There are no
dioceses but three ecclesiastical jurisdictions – the Apostolic Vicariate of
Phnom Penh and the Apostolic Prefectures of Battambang and Kompong Cham.
(Source: Fides)
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