Cambodian youth embark on a pilgrimage of hope

About 300 youths from the Phnom Penh Vicariate in Cambodia participated in the Youth Pilgrimage of Hope at Dak Dam and Busra Parish in Mondol Kiri from February 28 to March 2, 2025.

Mondol Kiri, home to the Indigenous Bunong people, is located 500 km from the capital of Cambodia.

The Pastoral Office for Youth, Teenagers, and Children in the Phnom Penh Vicariate organized the pilgrimage.

Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, priests, nuns, and religious leaders joined the youth.

Sarouen Sorn, coordinator of the Pastoral Office for Youth, Teenagers, and Children in the Phnom Penh Vicariate, stated that the Youth Pilgrimage has been an annual tradition since 2010.

It provides young people an opportunity to express their faith, build community, and share their experiences of service, Sorn said.

He added, "The program encourages youth to serve with love and live in peace, dignity, and hope as Catholic youth.

He emphasized that the program's mission is to “give them true hope through faith.”

St. James Church in Dak Dam hosted a Taizé prayer for Pope Francis' health on the first evening.

The next morning, the youth embarked on a 17-kilometer pilgrimage along the national road to St. John the Baptist Church in Busra, engaging in prayer and reflecting on Bishop Olivier’s teachings along the way.  

During the formation sessions, the bishop encouraged young people to place their hope in Jesus, stating, "Believe in Jesus, for He is with us, giving us hope, peace, and walking with us in both joy and sorrow."

He reminded them to turn to Jesus in difficult times, saying, “Lord, have mercy on me,” and stressed the importance of reading the Word of God daily to become true witnesses of faith.

He also described the Church as a “big family” that supports and nurtures its members through prayer, catechism, and acts of mercy.

The bishop highlighted the path to hope in Christian life, referencing Matthew 5:3-10 on true happiness.

He urged young people to welcome Jesus through prayer, receiving the sacraments, ongoing formation, and unity.

He emphasized that love reveals the fruits of faith, encouraging compassion as a way to build hope. As Lent approaches, he called on the youth to "become new people" by dedicating themselves to their best efforts.

Despite fatigue, sore feet, and travel challenges, the pilgrimage brought joy and renewed hope. The following day, the youth reflected on their experiences, sharing insights on faith and the journey.

Sreytheang Soeurn, 22, from Phnom Penh Thmey Parish, joined the pilgrimage for the second time. She shared that over the three days, the youth experienced unity in prayer, moments of silence, and times of exhaustion, yet they also found joy and connection through shared prayers and activities.

She said, "While many believe happiness comes from work, money, and material possessions, prayer has helped her realize that true happiness comes from love and meaningful relationships with those around us."

Rasmey Chuy, 19, from the Takhmao community, shared that the pilgrimage helped him reflect on his role as a young person and the importance of praying for those around him.

He noted that life is a journey that requires time, effort, and perseverance to reach one’s goals.

He found inspiration in the bishop’s reflection, which encouraged him to give love to others and support them in their journey.

Rasmey emphasized that with faith, perseverance, and trust in Jesus—who has given us everything—we can overcome challenges and cherish the gifts He has entrusted us.

As the pilgrimage concluded, Bishop Olivier blessed the youth, urging them to be witnesses of hope and to make the Church a community of mercy.

He encouraged them to embrace their calling as disciples, servants, and bridge-builders, fostering connections across faiths and communities.

Looking ahead, the bishop announced that next year’s Youth Pilgrimage of Hope will take place in Pailin, Battambang Prefecture.