The Keo Seima Catholic Community Now Has a Church!

After nearly 10 years, the evangelization efforts of the Catholic community in Keo Seima, Mondulkiri Province, have finally taken shape through a new church capable of accommodating over 100 people.

The church, named St. Joseph Keo Seima, measures 360 square meters and has been erected in Sre Khtum Village, Sre Khtum Commune, Keo Seima District, Mondulkiri Province. It stands as a beacon of hope for the indigenous Bunong Catholic faithful in the northeastern part of Cambodia.

"This church started with just 4 Catholic faithful, and now we have nearly 40 families, all of whom are indigenous Bunong people," said Father Phan Bory, the priest in charge of the church, during the inauguration ceremony on June 28.

He further noted that these achievements are the result of the dedicated evangelization efforts of those involved—including the lay faithful, priests, and catechists—despite facing rough roads and various obstacles.

The priest added that for the indigenous Bunong people, conversions generally happen as a whole family; if the head of the household joins the Church, all the members will join together.

Taking the opportunity, he expressed his deep gratitude to the generous faithful who have provided a place for the community to gather and celebrate the Holy Mass since 2016.

In his homily to the more than 400 attendees that day, Bishop Peter Suon Hangly, Apostolic Prefect of Kampong Cham, who presided over the Mass, said that in the day's readings, God makes righteousness and praise spring up before all the nations as in the land of Israel, but today, this speaks to the land here in Keo Seima.

The Bishop added, "Therefore, I hope this church becomes a place that helps our Catholic brothers and sisters and the villagers here to have the opportunity to gather to pray, listen to the Word of God, receive blessings from the Lord, and allow righteousness to spring up."

"'Righteousness' means living uprightly, with justice, tranquility, and peace in the place where we live, and seeking to glorify God," he continued. Through this righteousness, we will receive blessings for our village, for Cambodia, and for the whole world.

The ceremony also included the blessing of the church bell. According to Bishop Hangly, the bell serves as an awakening sign, letting everyone know that when the bell rings, it is time to come to church. He emphasized that Jesus is present in the church, stating, "I want our church here to be a place that guides people to hear the words of Jesus as well."

The Bishop added that, therefore, the church is a place for continuing faith formation, for people to come to know Jesus, and a place that provides hope.

In conclusion, the Bishop said, "We thank the Lord for our new church. May the Lord guide this church to help the Keo Seima Catholic community continue to grow according to His holy will."

St. Joseph Church in Keo Seima was built with the financial support and donations of local and international Catholic communities, at a total cost of $306,800 USD.

By Dam Soda