Battambang Catholic Church

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2011

2011-12-21T08:11:00.000+07:00

Welcome to the Christmas Celebrations in our Parish!

Friday, December 23, 6 pm - Communal Reconciliation. Individual Confession follows
Saturday, December 24, 7 pm - Christmas Story presentation at the main stage, CHRISTMAS EVE MASS follows (at about 9pm)
Sunday, December 25,9.00am - Christmas Day Mass (to be presided by Bishop Kike) (not 8.30 am as previously announced)
Sunday, December 25, 7 pm - Christmas Program, a talent presentation (will end at about 11pm)
Monday, December 26, 7 pm - Christmas Program, a talent presentation (will end at about 11pm)

There will be a lot of food stalls, a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and other fair games.

Sunday, January 1, 2012 - 8.30 am - New Year Mass

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Pictures from last year 2010 Below:

SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 - ALL SAINTS' DAY IN BATTAMBANG

2011-09-27T17:14:00.000+07:00

It's a beautiful day for all of us. We celebrated the mass of All Saints today. During the offertory, people and families came forward to offer food and fruits in loving memory of their dead. After the mass, people gathered in families and groups. They invited their friends and neighbors to join them. Then we all partook of the food offered earlier. We ate inside the church, a great movement from the Eucharistic Table to the real banquet, foreshadowing the one we will all share with the saints at the end of time.


The Offertory Procession


Joy in Offering


A Loving Offering

Blessing the priest after offering gifts. In turn, the priest says a blessing prayer: May you be blessed, may you have good health.

A beautiful gesture at offertory. All gifts are raised to God.

Accept our the gifts from our hearts, O Lord.

A Sharing in the Banquet after Mass

SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 - ALL SOULS' DAY IN BATTAMBANG

2011-09-27T15:37:00.000+07:00

In line with the annual 2-weeks holiday in Cambodia, and in unity with the Catholics in Cambodia, our parish celebrated the Feast of All Souls on September 25, 2011, at 5:30 - 7:30 in the evening. The Church was full. We started with lighting of of candles to pray for our dead and offering papers containing the names of our departed loved ones. After the mass, we had a procession to the old cemetery (currently the football field) and lighted candles and incense, then we proceeded to the present cemetery. We also processed the ashes of Grandma Veronica Lee Son in a special urn and placed it in the stupa; she died 10 years ago. Then people gathered around the niches of their dead and received blessing from the priest. Thanks to Fr. Kolbe for helping in blessing the families.

A loving memory of those who died.

People take time out of their work to come to the Church.

A Congregation at Prayer.

Offering the Names of those who died.

Families gather at the tomb of their Departed.

Lighting incense in what is now the football field. It was the parish cemetery before our Church was destroyed by the Khmer Rouge Regime.

Students form Phnom Penh come home to their families to join in the prayer.

A Communion of the Living and the Dead.

2011-09-13T10:17:00.000+07:00

HAPPY BONN PCHHUM!

All Souls' Day Mass - Sept 26, Monday, 5 pm

All Saints' Day Mass - Sept 27, Tuesday, 9 am

Once again, it's that beautiful time of the year in Cambodia when, every morning, we come to Church to pray for those who have departed. We remember them as we read their names out loud at mass. Families come together. It is time when the living are united closely with the dead. The living pray for the dead that God may welcome them into Heaven. The dead are remembered for the way they lived their lives. It is that time of the year when we remember that the living and the dead are journeying together to God. We celebrate the Communion of Saints - the loving bond between those who have died and those who live. This is why it is fitting that Catholics call this feast Bonn Pchhum - Feast of Gathering. This year, 2011, we celebrate the Bonn Pchhum from September 13 - 27.

2011-09-12T10:18:00.002+07:00

12 September 2011

WE ARE BACK!

We apologize for not updating entries in our parish blog. For along while, we could not access our blog. In fact, in all of Cambodia, it was not possible to open the site blogspot.com. We are happy that we can access this now. We will post some news soon.

National Day of Mourning

2010-11-25T07:54:00.000+07:00

As of 11.00 last night, reports say that the death toll from a stampede in the bridge leading to Diamond Island (Koh Pich) has increased to 450, after fuller reports came in from villages and provinces.

Today the whole country observe the National Day of Mourning. All flags fly at half-mast. Mass will be held tonight at 6:00 in the Parish Church of our Lady of the Assumption in Battambang. Prayers will start at 5:00 in the afternoon. It will include the Litany of the Saints. Mass at 6:00 will start with a solemn procession of the congregation bearing flowers for the dead. It will be followed by everyone offering lighted incense in front of the Altar.

For two nights now, people are offering incense, fruits, and lighted candles in front of their houses to pray for the victims and for peace.

In Phnom Penh, Mass will be offered today at the St. Joseph's Church in Psa Tuich at 6:15 in the evening.

345 People Died in Water Festival Stampede

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Three hundred forty five people died in a stampede in Koh Pich Bridge (Dioamond Island) in Phnom Penh on November 22, 2010, at 9:40 in the evening as the country celebrates the National Water Festival . The stampede happened right after a false information came around the thick crowd on the bridge that the bridge was falling. Suddenly there was a commotion; people tried to escape and ran over one another; many others jumped out into the river. About 390 people more were severely injured.

The water festival, help on a full moon, is a three-day holiday to celebrate the changing of the river flow between Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River. People eat pound rice, float lighted candles on the water, and come to Phnom Penh to witness the grand boat race.

Prime Minsiter Hun Sen had ordered the country to oberve National Day of Mourning on Thursday, November 25, 2010.

The Catholic Parish of our Lady of the Assumption in Battambang will hold mass at 6:15 in the morning of the same day to pray for those who died and those who were injured. At the start of Mass, lighted incense will be given to each one to offer prayers for the dead and the consolation of their families.

BATTAMBANG PREFECTURE 10 YEARS ON by Sr. Denise Coghlan

2010-07-01T22:35:00.000+07:00

Ten years ago the poor , the deaf, the blind , the lame , children, the whole of Jesuit Service and Metta Karuna teams gathered with the Catholic community, the Papal Nuncio and family and friends to celebrate the inauguration of our team member Father Kike Figaredo as leader of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang. It felt like the company Jesus would enjoy with afeast of the reign of God where everybody felt welcomed.

This symbolic beginning has been translated into action as the Prefecture demonstrated

· The telling of the Good News in ways that touched Cambodian hearts

· Its preferential option for the poor

· Its guidance of the Catholic community to embrace the faith and lifestyle of Jesus

· Respect for the culture of Cambodia and encouragement of the beauty of its art forms

· The dialogue of life in an interfaith setting
· Action for justice which is a constitutive part of the gospel

The home of the Prefecture is vibrantly alive with a remodeled church, new places for friends with disability, a health centre , an outdoor cathedral, a hearing clinic, welcome centres, a renovated youth hostel and a compassionate Prefect , who is a source of strength for many ,many different people. He is also constantly travelling to the Tonle Sap and beyond.
Vibrant liturgies that draw people to prayer, console them in their sorrows. And encourage them in faith are features of the prefecture. The participation of the people of God in worship is inspirational.
The priests and religious meet regularly for sharing and planning. The Prefect is also the head of Caritas and is supportive to other NGOS working in the area.

In remote villages schools and infrastructure have been built to address the poverty of so many places. This has been done in collaboration with village leaders and communities, Hundreds of other vulnerable children and youth have scholarships at primary, secondary and tertiary level which enhance their education and future opportunities. Education for All is apriority of the diocese.
A special heart for people with disability including landmine and cluster munitions survivors urges action to address the root causes, ensure rights are respected and action for justice.

Cambodian dance is taught to all who want to learn and beautiful nights at dance and dinner displays in the village are a feature of any visit to the Tonle Sap Prefecture.

Volunteers and visitors who report that their lives have been changed by the experience with the poor, the blind and the lame as well as the Prefect enrich with their varied contributions and bring the story of an alive Church to places where the young are often disenchanted with a Church that appears not to be in touch with the real Issues of people. This may well be a very significant thing for the renewal of faith in Europe which the Pope calls for. The Prefecture of Battambang is a little oasis (big when the Tonle Sap floods) that keeps the values of the Kingdom of God alive and with all its weaknesses tries to carry on the message of Jesus

By the Well of Life

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Friends, please pray for all Priests and Bishops of Cambodia who are presently on their annual Holy Retreat in Sihanoukville. Once a year priests and bishops in Cambodia gather together to pray and be refreshed in quiet communion with God and with one another. The retreat started in the evening of May 24 and will end in the morning of May 29. Bro. Ghislain from Taize directs the retreat.

Here is one of the song-prayers that is used:

Lord Jesus Christ, Your light shines within us.
Let not my doubts nor my darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus Christ, Your Light shines within us.
Let my heart always Welcome Your Love.

Gift of the Spirit

2010-05-23T14:17:00.000+07:00

Sunday, May 23, 2010. Feast of the Holy Spirit. Ninenty eight brothers and sisters received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Kike, assisted by four other priests. Those who were confirmed came from the parishes of Pailin, Kompong Luong, Pursat, Battambang, Ta Hen, Chomnaom, Svay Sisophon, and Poipet. Joy permeated the whole Church during the whole liturgy. It was a celebration of the faith and mission that each one receives - to be living witnesses of God's loving compassion to everyone.

Gift to the Community: A Cambodian Sister

2010-05-06T19:17:00.003+07:00

Sr. Soklin at the start of Vow Mass

Amidst a very touching ceremony that speaks of the re-growth and hopefulness of the Catholic Church in Cambodia, representatives from various Catholic communities have gathered in the Church of Kompong Ko in Kompong Thom town to witness the first vows of Sr. Marie Magdala Koek Soklin in the religious congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was a very joyful event where friends, relatives, and religious men and women came together as one. Mass presided by Msgr. Kike, prefect of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, and assisted by Msgr. Anthony, prefect of the Apostolic Prefecture of Kompong Cham.

"I am very happy this day. Friends and different communities come to give me support and pray for me in the life I have taken," said Sr. Soklin, 27 years old. Her first vows was made after 7 years of religious formation. She was born in Phum Balang in Kompong Thom. Her father is Buddhist and mother is Catholic. In high school, she studied in Kompong Thom and proceed to study secretarial courses with the Salesian Sisters in Tuol Kok in Phnom Penh.

In the months to come, Sr. Soklin will live with the Sisters' community in Kompong Thom to learn more about religious community life and to be pro-active in the care of other people in the apostolate.

"I thank God for the gift of vocation among the youth. The ceremony of the First Vows of Sr. Soklin will challenge the youth about their life and its meaning. I hope they will also think about their personal call in life. I am happy because through Sr. Soklin, I see one person signifies to give her life in the service of the community," said Sr. Phornthip.

Ta Om Catholic Community Celebrates 130 Years

2010-04-15T15:48:00.000+07:00

Here's a happy news from the Office of the Apostolic Prefect of Battambang

April 7, 2010. Ta Om Village, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia.

On this warm Easter day, in an old church designed with attempts at simple neo-gothic stlye of the early 19th century, bearing on its perimeter walls marks of gun shots, and surviving attempts of Khmer Rouge soldiers to destroy it during the Pol Pot's genocidal regime, about 800 people gathered inside its newly painted walls to celebrate the 130 years of the foundation of Ta Om Catholic Community.

Celebration

Colored flags festooned all around the compound brought joyous atmosphere to this village. With a beautiful Khmer Liturgy, wonderful singing led by youth group, a fully adorned altar, graceful Cambodia classical dances that show praise of God, twenty adults were baptized along with 8 children. This was the first baptism ever to be held in this church since its obliteration from the Catholic map 40 years ago.

Former Christian inhabitants came to see their village and joined their long lost neighbors. Old ties and friendships were restored, old stories revisited. "Before the dispersion, my brother was the bell ringer in this church; I am so overjoyed to see the old Church still standing. This is where we used to pray. Our memories are here," said one lady from Battambang Parish; tears forming in her eyes. "My father was a catechist here," said one youth. "I am eager to go around to see my former friends. I was born here," said an old man.

The Liturgy was presided by His Excellency Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the Kingdom of Cambodia, assisted by Msgr. Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang. The celebration gathered together Catholics from various parishes, local villagers, local government authorities, and priests and religious groups from all over the Prefecture. "Live your faith by being witnesses of new life and God's love," the Apostolic Nuncio encouraged the new Christians.

After the mass, meal was shared with everyone.

Church Involvement

In a small civic ceremony that followed, the District and Commune chiefs thanked the Catholic church for its many projects for the education and health. The Apostolic Nuncio also inaugurated the village library, presided at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pope Benedict XVI Education and Pastoral Center, and blessed one of the fifteen wells that the Catholic Church had built for the villagers.

Ta Om Village

Ta Om is a very poor village in Banteay Meanchey Province. The road is so bad so that it takes 30 minutes to traverse the 14 kilometer dirt road from Highway #6. It is situated along the bank of Krolanh River that runs southward to Tonle Sap Lake. In 1881 a Catholic community was founded in this small village predominantly made up of Vietnamese immigrants - fishermen, boat makers, and timber merchants. The founding priest was Alfonso Misner, a French missionary. The parish progressed and eventually had its own parish priest. In time, a religious community of the Providence Sisters of Portieux established its community there and opened a primary school and a health clinic.

By the end of the 1960's, the Cambodian war began. In 1970 certain ethnic groups and religions were subjected to persecutions in hands of the Cambodian nationalists. The community, being predominantly made up of Vietnamese immigrants, was driven out of the village. They were thrown as refugees first in the wilderness of Poipet, then later in Battambang and other provinces. The thriving community of faith was completely obliterated. In the mid-1970's, the Khmer Rouge tried to destroy the church but failed. The Church had miraculously remained intact. From this, villagers believed that the Christian God was protecting the Church, so they left it untouched.

Back to the Church

In 2001, news reached the Prefect Apostolic that the Church building of Ta Om still existed and that villagers there were quite willing to welcome a Catholic participation in the development there. After several visits to the village, and after series of discussion with local leaders, Fr. Heri Bratasudarma, SJ, parish priest of Siem Reap, initiated small development projects – rebuilding of the public primary school building, literacy courses, hygiene and sanitation. After a while, finding goodwill in the Catholic presence, the village offered the old church building to the Catholic Community for its use and care. Catechism classes were opened to those who requested. Christian life was recovered in the village.

New Life

Msgr. Kike, as the Prefect Apostolic is fondly called, says, "Ta Om is symbol of the Resurrection of God. In the people's hard and painful experience in war and persecution, God has stood beside them; now God expresses his continued Grace in the gift and joy of baptism. The God of life blesses those who seek him in this community, reborn from ashes."

"With the baptism of first Christians after its obliteration 40 years ago, Ta Om community comes to life again!" he exclaims.

On the Altar wall, behind the crucifix that hung above the altar, a banner says it all: "Let us Rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Let us rejoice in the 130 years of Ta Om Catholic Community."

Four Generations Catholic

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The feast of the Khmer New was a significantly happy occasion for Mr. Det and Mrs. Sokha whose daughter was baptized. Her name is Karuna, a Khmer name which means loving-kindness, one of the four major virtues in Cambodia.

So many friends and families gathered at lunch in their house for the celebration. Here is a picture of the four generation catholics: Greatgrandfather Ta Ruoh (born in 1922), his son Tuich (born in 1957 and married Oeun), granddaughter Ruoh Sokha (born in 1982 and married Det), and baby Karuna (born 2010).

Battambang Catholic community is already in its 221 years of existence this year.

HAPPY KHMER NEW YEAR!

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Today we rejoice with all the Cambodians in celebrating the Khmer New Year. The Catholic community gathered at 8:30 in the morning in the church to thank God for the blessings of the past year and prayed that the Lord will give us good health, peace and prosperity in this coming year.

Fr. Totet read the Gospel on the Beatitude and exhorted the congregation to be people of mercy and compassion, of peace and forgiveness. God's blessing is upon those who follow the Spirit of God and show this in their actions and relationships.

The Holy Mass was lively - with singing, dances, and traditional instruments stirring our hearts with joy.

After the mass, the families gathered around the well in the garden to receive the Blessing with Holy Water.

Later in the morning, six infants and children were baptized and welcomed to new life in the Catholic community of faith.

Washing of Feet, Sharing of Meal

2010-04-01T22:48:00.000+07:00

HOLY THURSDAY. It's this time of the year once again when the community enters into deep communion with the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Today, we all gathered around the well in the Church garden to wash each other's feet, the well that sits at the middle of two paths that cross each other. Inside the well a lotus grows, a deep symbol for purity of heart in Cambodia.

We read the Gospel of John about Jesus'washing of the feet. Then we all proceeded to the well to wash each other's feet. First, the priest washed the feet of twelve members of the commnity, six women, and six men, representing the disciples. Then they in turned washed other people's feet and everyone carried on to the next person.

Photo: Members of the community representing the Disciples of Jesus

It was a time of showing love to each other, of serving, of humility. In Cambodia, the feet is the lowliest part of the body; it would be an insult if you sit and point your feet to someone. To wash one's feet is to be a servant. And for many Cambodians, it is a way of showing gratitude to someone you respect. The washing of the feet is humility, it is a blessing, it is a thanksgiving. Serving others is humility, a blessing, and thanksgiving to God who had serves us first.

It was time to reaffrim friendships, time to reconcile.

Remember and Making Present Jesus in His last supper

After the Holy Communion, there was sharing of bread with everyone who has come to the celebration.

Children preparing to lead the procession.

Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose

Singing the Tantum Ergo in Khmer and Reciting the Diviine Praises

The Washing Well. Ready for those who still have not done the ritual washing of the feet. We pray that we will all learn to live our lives in REAL service to each other with loving kindness.

REMEMBER JESUS IN THE TABLE OF LOVE

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Here's a beautiful reflection on the Last Supper of Jesus. Jesus' supper with the street children. Painting by Joey Velasco.

Battambang Parish Remembers Bishop Romero

2010-03-29T22:41:00.002+07:00

At 6:00 in the evening today in the parish church of Battambang, we gathered for the celebration of the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero on the 30th year anniversary of his death. He was archbishop of El Salvador and offered his life in the fight and struggle for truth and justice for the poor and the oppressed of his country. His life was a solid witness to a faith in action, in unity with Chirst who offered his life for all of us.

The celebration, attended by people from Battambang parish, Ta Hen parish, Tep Im student center, Arruper Center, Oscar Romero pastoral center, various groups, and Salesian center for girls, began with the reading of the letter of Bishop Michael Evans (in Khmer), bishop of the diocese of East Anglia. Battambang and East Anglia dioceses celebrate the anniversary together. Then Vuthy spoke about the life of bishop Romero. Tom Chheat presented some of the quotations from Romero. Fr. Totet gave the homily and focused on the need to speak for the truth in our lives. After the homily, Mom who is in charge of desk for culture and inculturation, read the reflection of Romero about the Kingdom of God – that we are only builders, not master builders. At the end of the mass, we all read the joint prayer of East Anglia and Battambang – in Khmer. We had a meaningful and beautiful celebration, very apt to holy week when we reflect about Christ's deep love and compassion for all of us.

Bishop Kike spoke just after communion and gave us three solid reminders:
1. Speak and stand for the truth!
2. Be a companion to the poor and oppressed!
3. Offer your life in service to others!

May the spirit of Archbishop Romero enlighten and urge us to show our faith in Christ in our world today.

BATTAMBANG CATHOLICS GATHER FOR PALM SUNDAY

2010-03-28T14:32:00.003+07:00

At 8:30 this morning, amidst the pealing of the big church bell, oneof the treasures that remained with us after the Pol Pot Regime, about 400 members of the Catholic Community gathered around the Bishop's house for the blessing of the Palms.

It was a beautiful moment when the old people of the community, the youth, and children, including the physically disabled children gathered. The procession was lead by the youth group - one bearing the cross, two holding flowers made of palm leaves, and others - dressed in Cambodian traditional skirt - carried the flags with crosses on them.

The we proceessed to the Church while singing praise to Jesus Chirst as we remembered his joyful entry into Jerusalem. During the Homily, Bishop Kike stressed on the need to live our lives according the the demands of loving kindness and compassion. He said that whenever we announce the our faith in Christ, that faith must show in our life of love and loving kindness everyday.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Schedule of Holy Week Celebrations 2010

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March 28, 2010. PALM SUNDAY. Mass at 8:30 in the morning. We assemble in front of the Bishop's House near the main gate. Palms will be distributed to the congregation. Blessing follows. Then we process to the Church for Mass. Expect the celebration to end at about 10:30 a.m.

March 29, 2010. HOLY MONDAY. Confessions at 5:00 p.m. (Confessions can be done in English or Khmer). Mass at 6:00 in the evening. The Mass there will also be a remembrance of Bishop Oscar Romero, Bishop of El Salvdor, on the 30th year anniversary of his death - our common action with the Diocese of East Anglia.

March 30, 2010. HOLY TUESDAY. Mass at 6:15 in the morning. Confessions (in English or Khmer) at 5:00 p.m. Recollection Night for Adults who will be baptized on Easter Vigil at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

March 31, 2010. HOLY WEDNESDAY. Mass at 6:15 in the morning. Confessions (in English or Khmer) at 5:00 p.m. Recollection (in Khmer) for Children at 7:00 pm.

April 01, 2010. HOLY THURSDAY. Mass starts at 5:00 p.m. with Liturgy of the Word and Washing of the Feet in the Church yard around the well. Everyone invited to wash each other's feet. Prepare to remove your sandals or shoes. After this liturgy, everyone proceeds to the Church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After Communion, there will be a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to Altar of Repose. Everyone is invited to spend at least an hour in quiet prayer after the Mass. The Church will remain open until midnight, and continue from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. of Good Friday.

April 02, 2010. GOOD FRIDAY. Liturgy starts at 3:00 p.m. with the Liturgy of the Word (with Stations of the Cross) outside the Church. Afterwards, everyone proceeds to the Church for the Prayer of the Faithful, Veneration of the Cross, and Communion. There will be Taize meditation starting at 7:00 p.m.

April 03, 2010. HOLY SATURDAY. Mass starts with Blessing of New Fire at 7:00 p.m. Assemble in front of the main stage. Please bring your own candle. There will be baptism of adults. Expect mass to end at about 9:30 p.m

April 04, 2010. EASTER SUNDAY. Mass at 8:30 in the morning.

Location Map of Battambang Catholic Parish Church

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Many thanks to Canby Publications for this Map. The highlight on Church location is an addition by this blog. If we are not allowed to used this map, please inform us and we will take the image off this blog.