A Cambodian bishop urged Catholics to be grateful to God for all the blessings they have received in life.
“Today, we remember the love of God through Jesus. It is a time for us to reflect on our daily activities as Catholics about our gratitude to God,” said Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, the Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
He was speaking to the parishioners at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on June 24.
On the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop reminded all that in the life of Cambodian children, it is essential to be grateful to parents, teachers, and civil authorities in the country.
"But as Catholics, we also are grateful to God. Sometimes, we forget God's love for us,” he added.
The prelate explained that when a Catholic goes missing, "the God is worried, He runs after him, not to blame, not to punish, but to welcome again, forgive the sin, shows the joy of finding a child."
On that occasion, the bishop reminded the priest in charge of the community, saying, “There are a few people, sometimes we are scattered, but the priest is happy when the Catholics come to the Church. Catholics do not come back if the priest does not go to find them.”
Schmitthaeusler also told the parishioners to "pray, listen to the Word of God and remember God at all times."
“Please pay attention to our brothers and sisters following the words of Jesus,” he said.
The Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a new church established in 2011 in Prek Taten Commune, Ponhea Leu District, Kandal Province, approximately 20 km from Phnom Penh city. This community has only eight Catholics, according to Father John Peng, the priest in charge of this community.
On this feast day, many villagers came to participate
Bishop Smitthaeusler said, “People’s participation today shows that we are a welcoming family in the name of Jesus, who loves us and calls us to be God's sons and daughters; in Jesus' name, we must show love and compassion for each other.”
Father Penh said that this small community has most activities on charity, such as distributing food to the poor, building two houses for needy villagers, provide education to young children.
And by the end of this month, three candidates will be baptized, bringing the total membership to 11. - Kagnha Keo/Khemer Service
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