Pontifical Mission Societies - Catholic Mission's role in building the Church in Cambodia

St Therese of the Infant Jesus Kindergarten

Thanks to the support of Catholic Mission and the global Catholic Church, 150 children from poor families in northwestern Cambodia are able to go to kindergarten. The school at Chomnoam Parish provides these children with quality education, pastoral care and nutritious meals, which they otherwise would go without. Funds raised by Catholic Mission also supported the purchasing of school materials, uniforms, bags, stationery and furniture.

Rennovating St Mary's Church at Ta Om

An hour and a half’s drive from Siem Reap city is St Mary’s Church, one of the few church buildings that survived the Khmer Rouge. Thanks to its endurance, it has come to be known as the spiritual home of Catholicism in Cambodia and a symbol of the missionary church, with the community persisting despite persecution, poverty and isolation.

The huge brick French colonial church built by missionaries in the early 1900s stands out against the rural backdrop of rice paddies. The original missionaries came to Ta Om by river and established the community, sharing the gospel with local villagers.

After so many years, the church at Ta Om desperately needs repairs and renovation. Catholic Mission is supporting the community of St Mary’s. This includes making the building and surrounding land more flood resistant, and repairs to the parish house and parish toilets.

St John Vianney Major Seminary, Phnom Penh

This interdiocesan major seminary is the only facility for the formation of priests in Cambodia and is currently training seven seminarians in Phnom Penh, while another three seminarians are pursuing further studies in Thailand. The ten priests in training are Khmer, which is a critical part of rebuilding the Church in Cambodia following its tragic past. The seminary is too small to offer all subjects, which is why some men elect to study overseas. Classes are taught by local Bishops, priests and visiting teachers.

Catholic Mission supports the education and formation of seminarians in Cambodia, contributing funds to cover essential costs such as food, board and study materials. Your support of Catholic Mission and priestly vocations is vital in enabling the Cambodian Church to continue healing and growing.