Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Phnom Pen (Agenzia fides) - Assisting families, disadvantaged communities; assisting war victims, people mutilated by mines, and the disabled: there are the goals of the Jesuit Social Service in Cambodia, sponsored by the Society of Jesus Australia Province.
The Jesuits, helped by religious and laity, collaborate with various organisations, Catholic and non, in numerous programmes such as for example an Anti-Mine Campaign launched by Sr Denise Coughlan who cares for people injured by anti-personnel mines of which many are still present in Cambodia.
Numerous programmes in social and assistance field are for the blind, disabled, orphans, families in poor villages for whom daily life is a struggle.
The projects are run with the support of the Jesuits Missions Australia active in Phnom Penh, Banteay Prieb, Battambang, Sisophon and Siem Reap. Over 17 Jesuits work in close contact with a good number of sisters of various congregations and about 100 lay people. “Jesuit commitment in Cambodia is making a difference in the lives of many Cambodians”, says Fr Steve Curtin SJ, Director of the Jesuits Missions Australia.
The presence in Cambodia of the congregation founded by S. Ignatius has increased since 1980, when Jesuit Refugee Service started to assist war refugees with continuity. Besides social involvement the Jesuits are also in charge of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, guided by Apostolic Prefect Fr Enrique Figaredo sj.
The Jesuits, involving the local clergy, religious and laity, serve all Cambodians with no distinction of race, religion, family, called to be protagonists of their own economic, social and cultural relation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/12/2006 righe 25 parole 254)
