FATHER GREG, PARISH PRIEST OF SVAY SISOPHON WRITES:
May peace and joy that Jesus brought to the world be always in your heart.
For Sisophon church, the peace and joy of this Christmas came with a better rice harvest this year, compared to last year. For this we thank to God. We are in peace because the the rice stock is secured for the need of the Center and for help pack for the poor. We are joyful because the harvest is quite good.
On the other hand, I am sad to hear that many countries in Europe had to deploy many police and soldiers to guard the Christmas and celebration. Christmas is a time of happiness and joy with peaceful atmosphere. The recent situation does not allow us to enjoy such an atmosphere. I am very sad to hear that the Muslim leaders in Indonesia forbid the Muslim to wish the Christians Merry Christmas. They have objection to Christmas trees and other Christmas symbols…. And even try to encourage people not to celebrate the New Year. But in Cambodia, at least in Sisophon, I saw some Christmas trees in public places. It seems Cambodians are more tolerant.
The pictures show a live Christmas Crib, Khmer-style, Midnight Mass near Siem Reap and the children’s party at St. Sebastian’s Day Care Centre, Pongro Village.
