Sixty-two Catholics received the Sacrament of Confirmation during a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh on June 28.
The mass took place at Our Lady of the Smile Church in Chamkar Tieng, a rural community in Takeo Province, about 90 kilometers south of Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh,
The celebration brought together many priests and a large gathering of Catholics from the Takeo Pastoral Zone, which comprises eight parishes and communities.
In his homily, Bishop Schmitthaeusler said the Holy Spirit enables believers to become mature Catholics and serves "as a special strength for the Church to grow and flourish." He also recalled the words of Saint Irenaeus: "The glory of God is man fully alive."
He further encouraged the faithful to practice love, prayer, forgiveness, mercy, and mutual service, saying that this is how "we glorify God and guide others to see God Himself." He urged them to continue building the Church in Cambodia, especially within the Takeo Pastoral Zone, so that it may become a visible sign of God's mercy.
Fr. Charles Lechipan, MXY, priest in charge of the Takeo Pastoral Center, expressed his joy that the 62 candidates from eight parishes, all of whom had been baptized in previous years, received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
"For these 62 candidates, we will continue to guide them in each parish through catechists to further lead and support them with religious formation in their respective communities," he said.
The priest thanked Bishop Schmitthaeusler for presiding over the celebration and conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation.
"We will remain with them and continue to take care of them," he added.
Among those confirmed was Mrs. Mary Sun Srou, a merchant from the provincial town of Takeo in southern Cambodia, who said she was filled with joy after receiving God's blessings through the sacrament.
"I will continue to proclaim the Good News to other brothers and sisters through people I know," she said.
She explained that many people in her community still know little about the Catholic Church.
"Over there, when they hear the name of Jesus, they seem to feel hesitant in their hearts. Now, I will proclaim the Good News about Jesus at the Holy Family Church to them, so that they can know and understand."
Mrs. Srou received the Sacrament of Baptism in 2025 after becoming interested in the Catholic faith through a Catholic woman who frequently visited her home.
"She never forced me [to convert], but this is probably a blessing granted by God," she said.
Phim Sophoan, an 18-year-old who was baptized in 2023, said faith has strengthened both his mental and spiritual life.
"When we are in distress or face an obstacle, we pray and ask for peace from Jesus," he said.
Following his Confirmation, he pledged, "I will spread the Good News so that others can know God."
Petch Dara, a 21-year-old university student studying the Korean language in Phnom Penh, shared that she had wanted to become a Catholic ever since childhood after seeing Catholics receive the Holy Eucharist and participate in Church activities.
"Now that I have become a Catholic, I feel very happy," she said.
Dara added that she hopes to proclaim Jesus through the witness of her daily life and by responding to friends who ask about God.
"We cannot drag our friends into our religion, but if they are curious, want to know, and want to understand, we can guide and explain things to them. And if they want to know the church, we can bring them to church."
