Jubilee Year 2025 in Cambodia: A Journey of Hope and Faith in Kampong Cham

On February 24, 2025, about 200 priests, nuns, and faithful gathered at Saint Joseph Parish in Kdolleu to celebrate the opening of the Jubilee Year 2025 for Kampong Cham Prefecture in Cambodia.

The event was presided over by Msgr. Pierre Suon Hangly, Apostolic Prefect of Kompong-Cham.

Msgr. Hangly emphasized that the Jubilee Year is a time of hope, renewal, and grace.

He said, "The Jubilee Year is a time for all of us to journey together in the hope of receiving God’s mercy. Hope is one of the three theological virtues given to us by God's grace."

Kdolleu Parish was chosen as one of four designated shrines for the Jubilee Year in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during times of civil war, Khmer Rouge, and genocide (1967-1975).

Before the celebration began, Catholics gathered in prayer at the church gates, reflecting on Christ as the door to salvation and the only true hope for Christians.

The procession then moved to the grave of Fr. Rapang, who gave his life to protect Catholics during Cambodia’s civil war in 1972.

After praying for the Servant of God, the faithful continued in procession to the church, where they received a water blessing to commemorate the sacrament of baptism and the forgiveness of sins.  

In his homily, Msgr. Hangly reflected on the three theological virtues—faith, love, and hope. While hope is often considered the smallest of these virtues, he explained that it is the most powerful because it inspires action and moves us forward.

"This hope is truly important," he said. "It motivates us to journey together with Christ, who always walks with us."

He reminded the faithful that hope comes from God's grace and that even in death, Christians have hope; just as Jesus was resurrected, so too will those who believe in Him.

Msgr. Hangly reassured Catholics that God is all-powerful and faithful to His promises, saying, "Even though our lives in this world must end, let us not lose hope. We have eternal life with Him. May you always have hope and joy."

He encouraged the faithful to embrace the Jubilee Year as a time of deeper prayer and a commitment to sharing God’s mercy, especially with those suffering.

For many, the Jubilee Year is a special opportunity for spiritual renewal. Soknoeun Chiv, 47, described it as a time to pray more and grow closer to God.

His emphasis was that it invites straying Christians to return and receive God's forgiveness.

"Hope is never lost," he said. "No matter the circumstances, when there is hope, we must pursue it with all our heart and mind. Even if we feel weak, hope inspires both love and faith."

Soknoeun, a catechist and committee member in Kampong Cham, shared that he strives to keep hope alive in his heart, just as one keeps warmth in their body.

He committed to continuing his prayers, maintaining his relationship with God, and sharing joy and love with those around him.

The Jubilee Year will feature four designated pilgrimage sites within the Kampong Cham Prefecture:

• St. John the Baptist Church (Busra)

• The Holy Family Church (Nakloeung)

• Jesus, the King of the World Church (Kratie)

• Kampong Cham Community

Msgr. Hangly announced that throughout the Jubilee Year, Catholics are invited to visit these sacred places to pray, receive communion, and seek reconciliation—individually, as a group, or with their families.

The Jubilee Year is a time of grace, renewal, and strengthened faith as the Catholic community in Kampong Cham journeys together in hope. - Sok Keoratana