Cambodia: Bishop Olivier Leads Children in Christmas Celebration Promoting Peace and Unity

On December 21, 2025, around 2,300 children gathered for a joyful Christmas celebration at St. Mary of the Smile Parish in Takeo Province, southern Cambodia.

The event was held under the leadership of Bishop Olivier Schmittaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh. Most of the participating children came from villages surrounding Chamkar Teang Village in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province.

Notably, many of the children traveled on bicycles, accompanied by friends, to take part in the celebration, arriving with visible excitement and joy. During the program, the children watched a short play titled “The Mystery of the Nativity of Jesus Christ,” sang the national anthem together, and received commemorative gifts personally distributed by Bishop Olivier.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Olivier shared a heartfelt message of peace and unity: “We want the fires of war to fall silent and come to an end. Today, we remember Jesus, who was once a simple child. He showed us the way to live as true brothers and sisters. Whether we come from Takeo, Battambang, Pursat, or Koh Kong, we are one Cambodian family. Jesus wants us to love one another, to live in happiness, and to enjoy lasting peace.”

On the same occasion, the Bishop led the children in reciting a meaningful slogan: “Peace for all, all for peace.”

The message served as a call for unity, compassion, and love within society, while also reminding participants of the many children who continue to suffer from displacement, forced to flee their homes, deprived of education, and living in fear due to ongoing conflicts along the Cambodia-Thailand border.