Cambodian Bishop honors Carlo Acutis at 60th snniversary of St. Michael’s Parish

Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, called on the faithful to follow the example of Blessed Carlo Acutis during the solemn blessing of a new altar at St. Michael’s Parish in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, marking the church’s 60th anniversary on June 7.

A relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis was enshrined in the new altar, symbolizing his deep devotion to the Eucharist and inspiring renewed spiritual fervor among those present. Speaking to a large gathering, Bishop Olivier referred to the Eucharist as “the source and summit of our lives.”

Referring to Acutis, a young Italian who died in 2006 and was beatified in 2020, the bishop outlined five virtues that every faithful Catholic should imitate:

1. Daily Devotion to the Eucharist
   Acutis received Holy Communion daily and spent time in Eucharistic Adoration. “He always said the Eucharist is like the highway to heaven,” said the bishop. Despite his battle with leukemia, Acutis remained joyful, often saying, “I am always united with Jesus.”

2. A Life for Others
   Acutis' life teaches that holiness is possible at any age. The bishop emphasized that even children and youth, when united with God, can walk the path of holiness.

3. Transformation Through the Eucharist
   The bishop reminded the faithful that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist transforms lives and draws us closer to Him, who is our life and inheritance.

4. The Eucharist serves as a powerful Sign of Mercy.
   From a young age, Acutis lived the message of mercy, collecting money to help the poor and sick. “When we receive Jesus daily,” the bishop said, “our capacity to love others grows immensely.”

5. Devotion to Mary
   Acutis had a deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through her intercession, he remained strong in his journey with Jesus. The bishop encouraged all to turn to Mary, the Mother of the Church, for strength and guidance.

Bishop Olivier also urged young people to follow Acutis' example by using the internet to evangelize. “Acutis did not use it merely for entertainment or games. He used it to spread the Good News and promote Eucharistic miracles,” he said.

Concluding his homily, the bishop said, “Today, through Saint Michael the Archangel and Our Lady, we walk toward Jesus, who gave His life so that we may live.”

St. Michael’s Church, originally built in 1965 by a priest of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP), was designed by celebrated Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann. The parish is now under the care of Fr. Gustavo Adrián Benítez.

Following Cambodia’s civil war and the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, only a few Catholic churches remained in the Vicariate of Phnom Penh—including the small chapel of St. Joseph’s (Phsar Touch) in Phnom Penh, the church on Bokor Mountain, and St. Michael’s Church in Sihanoukville.

As the local church continues its mission during this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Bishop Olivier’s message serves as a reminder to live daily in the love of Jesus — receiving Him, loving Him, and loving His Body, sacrificed for all.