The soil of the Killing Fields provided fertile ground for the seeds of faith. After the Khmer Rouge period, in 1979 and in the early eighties, few Catholics survived amongst the several hundred thousand refugees along the Thai border. Missionaries translated the Bible and the Liturgy into Khmer in order to support the tiny communities. Gradually, Catholic numbers increased, nurtured by the missionaries’ efforts. When, in the early 90s, refugees returned to Cambodia, people continued to gather together for prayer and mutual support. The Church bought back some of its former properties and built a pastoral centre in Battambang, nurturing and sustaining the faith of the tiny Church that had lost so much.

The soil of the Killing Fields provided fertile ground for the seeds of faith. After the Khmer Rouge period, in 1979 and in the early eighties, few Catholics survived amongst the several hundred thousand refugees along the Thai border. Missionaries translated the Bible and the Liturgy into Khmer in order to support the tiny communities. Gradually, Catholic numbers increased, nurtured by the missionaries’ efforts. When, in the early 90s, refugees returned to Cambodia, people continued to gather together for prayer and mutual support. The Church bought back some of its former properties and built a pastoral centre in Battambang, nurturing and sustaining the faith of the tiny Church that had lost so much.

Two who died that others might live:
Bishop Joseph Chhmar Salas

Bishop Paul Tep Im Sotha