Cambodia: Apostolic Prefect-elect meets the clergy in Kampong Cham Prefecture

Newly Appointed Apostolic Prefect Msgr. Pierre Suon Hangly of Kampong Cham meets clergy, religious and lay missionaries at Kompong Cham Catholic Church in Cambodia on July 19.

Msgr. Hangly said that he wanted to know about the people and the church in Kampong Cham. After meeting with Msgr. Bruno Cosme (Administrator of Kampong Cham) together with the priests, leaders and staff, the pastoral plan will be prepared.

“My strength is from all the priests, brothers, and sisters, committee leaders who give me ideas to serve this Prefecture,” he said. “I will try to the best of my strength and ability to fulfill the new mission that the church has enrtusted me.”

He stressed that the position of Apostolic Prefect leads Catholic people to think about how we together build the church in Cambodia and this opportunity could help people to realize the church is universal, rather than a foreign church.

He reminded, “We have been here since 1555 but because of the war church has not developed much. But now we are in a peaceful country and the fact that we have a Khmer Apostolic Prefect is a strength for young people.”

Msgr. Soun Hangly is the third Cambodian priest and served the Catholic Church in Cambodia in a high-ranking position after Apostolic Prefect Msgr. Paul Tep Im Sotha of Battambang and Apostolic Vicar Joseph Chhmar Salas of Phnom Penh who died during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979).      

The official installation ceremony will be announced later.

Kampong Cham province is the residence and main office for Kampong Cham prefecture. It is in the south of Cambodia, about 124 km from Phnom Penh.

             -        By Sovanna Ly and Kagnha Keo