Regional Office focus

In January 2019, Catholic Mission opened its first international office located in south east Asia.

The Regional Mission Development Office, established with approval from Rome, is located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The office provides easy access for Catholic Mission staff to interact with project partners on the ground throughout Asia. It is the first pilot project of its kind for the Pontifical Mission Societies as an international network.

“This bridges the usual time gap and provides on‑the‑ground technical experience and support to our partners in the region,” says Catholic Mission’s Programs Manager Lawrence Gigliotti.

“This Catholic Mission initiative was developed after our partners identified a need for greater capacity building across the region.”

The Regional Mission Development Office is actively engaged in projects in Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor‑Leste, Thailand and Vietnam. Catholic Mission’s partners can more easily access support services and advice, and the office provides a consistent presence in the area.

“This service enables us to boost our support in the delivery of projects across the region as we don’t lose as much time travelling back and forth between Australia and the places our partners work,” says Lawrence.

The office has facilitated various project visits for donors, Catholic Mission staff, immersion groups of students and adventure groups.

“We’ve organised and conducted workshops with priests and religious congregations on Church administration, and joined financial council meetings to discuss future financial sustainability of dioceses and congregations,” says Lawrence. “We also engaged with communities at local events and with Government officials, represented Catholic Mission at Bishops Conferences, and responded to emergency situations when they arise. The Regional Mission Development Office has provided a vital link between the Church of Asia and Catholic Mission.”

The office is staffed by Catholic Mission’s Programs Manager, Lawrence Gigliotti, and Pisey Soeurn, a Cambodian Projects Officer who works alongside Catholic Mission’s project partners, helping them to implement and sustainably grow life‑giving, Church‑run programs supporting children and communities in need, and training future Church leaders.

Pisey is himself a beneficiary of such a project. He grew up in a student hostel supported by Catholic Mission, and is now proud to be giving back his knowledge and expertise in his own community. •

“We’ve had great success in the work we’ve undertaken so far, creating more sustainable communities. In the coming years we look forward to continuing our work in expanding and supporting the Church to flourish,” says Lawrence.

Local Cambodian Projects Officer Pisey Soeurn grew up in a student hostel supported by Catholic Mission, and is now proud to be giving back his knowledge and expertise to his own community.