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In a rush of spirituality and of Communion, the Catholic Church of Cambodia is preparing to celebrate a jubilee exceptional, honoring so much the emblematic figure of the Virgin Married that the memory of martyrs who braved the challenges. This event, which will mark the start of a jubilee year in January 2025, is part of the continuity of a deep respect for the values of faith and of sacrifice who forged the Christian identity of the country. By following the path of Mary, filled with charity and of mercy, the community will unite to pay tribute to those who witnessed theHope in troubled times.
In this Jubilee Year, the Catholic Church of Cambodia is preparing to celebrate a strong moment that resonates with hope and faith, with emphasis on the Virgin Mary and the country’s martyrs. This jubilee, which coincides with the Holy Year 2025, is a precious opportunity for the Cambodian community to collect, reflect and remember the sacrifice of those who carried the faith at the risk of their lives. Through celebrations and pilgrimages, the faithful undertake to honor the memory of their martyrs while placing themselves under the protection of Mary, Mother of Mercy.
The Jubilee Year: A Journey of Faith
The pastoral letter from Mgr Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Vicar Apostolic of Phnom Penh, reminds us of the importance of this year 2025 for the universal Church. The solemn opening celebration, scheduled for January 5, 2025, will take place at the Diocesan Pastoral Center of Thmey. This event will mark the start of a series of celebrations that will invite the faithful to walk in faith, in the same way that Mary accepted her divine mission, carrying within her the hope of the world.
Mary: A figure of mediator and hope
Mary, inseparable from this celebration, stands at the heart of the Cambodian Catholic community. As Mgr Schmitthaeusler indicates, it is not only Mother of Hope, but also an example of unwavering faith. Every believer is encouraged to turn to her, to ask her to intercede for them with God, especially in these uncertain times when the world seems prey to incessant conflict. The meditation on the life of Mary, from the Annunciation to Pentecost, offers light on the path of the faithful.
The Martyrs: Seeds of the Cambodian Faith
The commemoration of the Jubilee Year is not limited to the figure of Mary; she also honors Cambodian martyrs, these men and women who, at the risk of their lives, defended their faith. Their memory is of paramount importance to the local faith, as they are considered the deep roots of the Church in Cambodia. Among them, Bishop Joseph Chhmar Salas and his 34 companions, who were killed between 1970 and 1977 during persecution under the Pol Pot regime, remind us of the cost of faith.
Jubilee pilgrimage sites
During this jubilee year, several places of pilgrimage within the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh will be significant. The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, the parish of Mary, Queen of Peace, and the parish of Saint-Michel in Sihanoukville are all destinations for the faithful in search of comfort and spirituality. The Saint-Joseph parish, which houses the Cambodian Martyrs’ Memorial, will be particularly significant, providing a space of contemplation to honor their memories.
The call to prayer and hope
In a world swept by instability and violence, Mgr Schmitthaeusler encourages the faithful to pray to Mary, Queen of Peace, so that it gives them strength and resilience. The year 2025 is thus seen as a time of pilgrimage towards hope, a journey which calls everyone to open their hearts to the values of charity and compassion. The faithful are invited to unite to strengthen their bonds, both spiritual and human, to face collective suffering with love.
Over the coming weeks, the celebration of this jubilee promises to be an unforgettable journey for the Cambodian Catholic community, marking not only a return to the footsteps of ancestors, but also the embrace of a future filled with hope.
FAQ: Celebrating a jubilee alongside Mary and the martyrs of Cambodia
What is the main event celebrated in 2025? It is the opening of a jubilee year in Cambodia, marked by a solemn celebration on January 5 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center of Thmey.
Who is the central figure of this celebration? The Virgin Married will be highlighted as Mother of Hope and mediator, accompanying the faithful throughout the year.
What will be the Jubilee pilgrimage sites in Phnom Penh? Among the places, there will be the sanctuary of Divine Mercy, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, and Saint-Joseph Parish, where the Cambodian Martyrs Memorial is located.
What is the purpose of this celebration in relation to the martyrs? This celebration aims to honor the Cambodian martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith, especially Bishop Joseph Chhmar Salas and his 34 companions.
How does the Church encourage the faithful during this Jubilee Year? The Church invites believers to pray to the Virgin Mary to ask for mercy and to live their faith through the teaching of Mary, a model of love and service.
What are the spiritual expectations during this Jubilee Year? The faithful are encouraged to become pilgrims of hope and to pray for peace in these difficult times, drawing inspiration from the example of the Virgin Mary.