Cambodia: Youth Jubilee and Feast of the Assumption to Be Celebrated as Prayers for Peace Continue

Battambang, Cambodia, Even as isolated clashes persist along the Cambodian–Thai border despite the August 7 ceasefire agreement, the Catholic community in Battambang Prefecture is preparing for two major celebrations this month that will place the longing for peace at the heart of prayer and witness.

“The population had high hopes and was very happy and encouraged by the ceasefire agreement signed on August 7. Now the call is: respect it!”  Jesuit Father Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, said to Fides. “We call on the governments to ensure that the military respects the agreement so that a genuine and lasting peace can be built.”

According to Fides, more than 100,000 internally displaced people remain on the Cambodian side of the border, many in government-run camps, others scattered in villages, most of them within the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefecture. Caritas Cambodia, working with Caritas Internationalis, has already conducted three humanitarian missions to distribute food, hygiene supplies, and protective materials.

Father Figaredo noted that Catholic communities in provinces such as Preah Vihear remain in close contact with the Prefecture despite insecurity and hardship. “The Cambodian people deeply long for peace,” he said, “and even in this crisis, we see solidarity that crosses religious boundaries.” The Prefecture is collaborating with Buddhist monks from the University of Battambang to deliver humanitarian aid, demonstrating that “solidarity knows no religious boundaries.”

Against this backdrop, two significant Church events will serve as moments of unity and intercession:

• August 15 – The Cambodian Youth Jubilee will bring together around 1,000 young people from across the country to Siem Reap, in Battambang Prefecture. Placed under the protection of the Virgin Mary, the gathering will focus on the theme of peace. “We want her to guide our steps toward harmony and peace,” Father Figaredo explained.
• August 17 – The Apostolic Prefecture will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, its special patronal feast, with a solemn Eucharist and a joyful procession through the streets. Many non-Catholics are expected to join in the celebration, making it a shared expression of faith, hope, and the commitment to peace.

“These will be moments to witness our faith, to ask for peace, and to commit ourselves to making choices for peace,” Father Figaredo concluded.