Over 100 candidates prepared to be baptized on Easter

As many as 127 adults were called by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, the Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, on March 8th at St. Peter and Paul Church, Phnom Penh Thmey, in Phnom Penh's capital, Cambodia.

Every year, the ceremony enables candidates who have joined the catechism class to receive baptism during the upcoming Easter. Before the ceremony began, Bishop Olivier briefed all candidates, focusing on "dying and living with Jesus."

He explained that when we go into the water or pour water on the head, it shows that "we are born again," at that time, the priest anoints candidates with oil “to receive strength directly from Jesus.”

"We receive the white robe, which means 'to live with Jesus.' He will not abandon us, even if we forget him," the prelate said.

The bishop reminded the candidates that after the baptism ceremony, each one becomes a member of Christ’s family who is ahead of herself.

"May we learn to pray for one another in all circumstances, and may we become servants like Jesus, who gave himself to serve the apostles by washing their feet; may we serve freely, without needing anything in return," said the bishop. "May we learn to love as Jesus loves us."

"From now on, let us choose God, not Satan, who guides us to happiness, so that we do not lose our way, even in difficult and joyful times,” he said.

Yem Somnang, 20, from the Boeung Tumpun parish, is a candidate preparing for baptism who got to know the community through the Providence Sisters’ youth center and says she "wants to become a child of God and live more closely to him."

After joining the catechism class, Somnang noticed that the lives of Christians were vibrant and energetic. I see. I want to become a Catholic like them," she expressed.

From now on, Somnang said, "I need to strengthen my prayers. I will help those who don't know about Catholicism and Jesus Christ."

Prom Mey, 24, from Chamkar Tieng parish in Takeo province in eastern Cambodia, said she wants to die and live with Jesus, hoping that one day she can be with Him in heaven. Mey is a student at St. Francis High School in Takeo Province, a Catholic school run by the church. She is curious about how Christians worship in the church, and she decided to join in. Later, she enrolled in a catechism class.

Mey said, "I want to follow the word of God. The Word helps us to have a pure heart, to love others as He loves us, to love, and to love and give hope to others."

Fr. Charles Lechipan, the priest in charge of the Takeo Pastoral Center, said that the church will continue to give formation to the approximately 78 candidates from communities who will soon be rebaptized through catechism class.

"We, the priests, will motivate them, hold workshops, and encourage Mass attendance," he said. "We will pray for them because God has called them, give them what we have, and let God take care of them."

During the Lent season, Bishop Olivier urged priests in each pastoral center to pay attention to performing various purification programs for candidates before receiving the baptism and continue forming them about faith so that they can live as Catholic models, taking God, the Word, and the Church as their refuge.

The Phnom Penh Vicariate has 10 pastoral centers: Phnom Penh Thmey, Holy Part, North of Phnom Penh, South of Phnom Penh, Mekong, Bassac, Takeo, Takhmao, Kampot-Kep, and Sihanoukville.

According to the Catholic calendar, the upcoming Easter celebration will take place on April 19.