The Apostolic Vicariate of Kampong Cham held a solemn memorial Mass to mark the 100th day since the passing of Fr. François Ponchaud, a renowned missionary and author of Cambodia Year Zero, on April 28.
The Mass was held at Chamlark Catholic Church in O'Reang Ov district and drew nearly 300 faithful, including clergy, parishioners, and local residents.
Presiding over the liturgy were Fr. François of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP), Apostolic Prefect Msgr. Pierre Hangly Suon, and several priests from across the Vicariate.
In his homily, Fr. Hemelsdael praised Fr. Ponchaud’s deep commitment to integrating the Gospel with Khmer culture and values. “Father Ponchaud always sought ways to communicate the message of Jesus using the people’s language, customs, and worldview,” he said. “He believed missionaries should live closely with the people, learning from them and walking with them.”
Fr. Hemelsdael also described Ponchaud as a powerful communicator of faith, saying, “For me, he was a model. He taught in ways people could understand and accept. He encouraged us as Catholics to love Buddhists and to live together as brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, nationality, or background.”
Beyond his spiritual leadership, Fr. Ponchaud was remembered for his remarkable service to the wider community. In Chamlark Leu, he helped dig wells, construct canals, produce biogas, and build homes for the poor. He even founded a kindergarten, reflecting his strong passion for education and community development.
Mr. Hay It, a Chamlak parish committee member, recalled the missionary’s profound impact on the village. “He wasn’t just a priest to us,” he said. “He was like a father. This church is his legacy. Chamlak was his home.”
The memorial also highlighted Fr. Ponchaud’s lifelong devotion to justice, peace, and the dignity of every human person. “He inspired us to build a better society and to reflect God’s merciful heart in all we do,” Fr. Hemelsdael added.
Fr. François Ponchaud passed away on January 17, 2025, at the MEP retirement home in Louris, France. He returned to France in 2021 after serving in Cambodia for more than five decades. Born in Sallanches, France, on November 8, 1939, he was ordained in 1964 and sent to Cambodia the following year. A fluent Khmer speaker, he played a key role in translating Church documents and portions of the Bible into the Khmer language.
His memory continues to inspire Christians and non-Christians in Cambodia, a testament to a life wholly dedicated to God and the people he served.
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