Adult baptism (increasingly common) represents a huge sign of hope. At the most recent Easter Vigil, 185 catechumens of the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh received baptism, along with the other sacraments of “Christian initiation” (confirmation and Eucharist).
The Catholic communities in Laos and Cambodia are facing significant challenges in training local clergy and reaching out to young people. With only 0.5% of the population in Laos and 0.1% in Cambodia being members of the Roman Catholic Church, the bishops are focusing on creating “prospects of hope” among those who are left behind in society. The lack of local clergy and language barriers are just a few of the challenges they face.
Although the Catholic Church is less of a force to reckon with in modern-day Cambodia, it still strives to play an active role in righting undeniable wrongs such as human trafficking, especially that of children.