CAMBODIA
- MILL HILL’S NEW MISSION
‘Food Packs’ distributed to the needy
Bishop Enrique, SJ, with Mill Hill Missionaries Fr Jacob and Fr Glenn - Cambodia
[In 2019, Mill Hill became involved in a new missionary outreach in Battambang, Cambodia. The Apostolic Prefect of the diocese is Bishop Enrique (a Spanish Jesuit). Below, you can read about his thoughts on mission and about the great work he is doing. But before that we have what our Mill Hill priests have written. The Irish Region of Mill Hill is providing financial support to the mission.] Fr Glenn Diaz mhm wrote: “We am very happy to receive the money from the Irish Region of Mill Hill, as we are now visiting families, especially the very poor families and those badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The donations will really be of great help to those in dire need. Rest assured that I will update you in writing 4
(with pictures) on how the money will be spent. Please keep us in your prayers. I extend our prayers and heartfelt gratitude to all the Irish people who are constantly remembering and supporting us through prayers and financial aid for the poor. I sent an email to the Mill Hill General Council giving an update on the development of the land purchase project with the money that came from the Irish Region through the General Council. I am also acknowledging with gratitude the receipt of more money from Ireland for the food packs distribution to the needy. Finally, we would like to thank you all for the generosity extended to us here in Cambodia and please continue to keep us in your prayers.” Spring 2022
Fr Jacob Chilka mhm wrote: “We distributed ‘food packs’ in the parish Mass Centre ‘Jesus Farm’. The elderly and the needy gathered together to receive the food packs. Encouraged by the spirit of our generous benefactors, we continue to serve the people of God. We thank our benefactors (Irish people and others) for all their support to us Mill Hill Missionaries in Cambodia. May God bless you all.” Bishop Enrique explains: “The Mission of Christians in Cambodia” “The image of the giraffe explains the mission of Christians in Cambodia - a gentle presence, not violent, but strong and vigorous. The giraffe has the biggest heart in the animal kingdom, even bigger than the elephant’s; it means for us a heart capable of love, strength and compassion. In addition, thanks to its size, the giraffe has a panoramic vision. It can look far in different directions; this is a sign of spiritual vision and the gaze of faith on life. It lives peacefully in the savannah with many other different animals. For us, this means knowing Spring 2022
how to remain in dialogue as a small Christian community in a predominantly Buddhist country, promoting peaceful coexistence between cultures and different faiths. The Catholic Church in Cambodia is a small community of 20,000 faithful out of 16 million total inhabitants of the country. In 2005, Catholics celebrated 450 years of the presence of the Catholic faith in the country. We are here to build the common good, to build an inclusive society and bring the joy of life in Christ, everywhere, to every man and woman. As believers in the Resurrection, as men and women of hope, we are bearers of a positive vision, of hope, joy and happiness”. “Their look of faith touches my heart” “The people believe the secret of happiness is that everyone takes care of the other, within the family and the village community. It is this testimony of faith that I receive from the poor. I believe I can meet God in people, especially the poor and the marginalized. He gives me the grace to see the sparks of His 5
