14 priests, 3 scholastics, 2 brothers and a Monsignor – all the Jesuits in Cambodia – came together last July 31 at the Banteay Prieb to celebrate St. Ignatius’s feast day and also in thanksgiving for the 19 years of service of Sr. Denise Coughlan, outgoing Director of the Jesuit Service here.
All but Msgr Kike Figaredo (CAS), Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, were already in Banteay Prieb beginning on the 28th for some days of prayer, reflection and sharing before the actual feast day. This Jesuit meeting was a good chance for the younger members of the Jesuit Mission to get to know the community better and to learn from the wisdom of the community’s “elders.” It was also a good time to welcome the returning members Fr Rajat Purti (RAN) and Fr Kang In-gun (KOR), who is finishing his Phd in London. Both arrived a day or two before the gathering.
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| Some of the newcomers and returnees to the mission: (L-R; standing) Fr. Kang In-gun (KOR), Fr. Rajat Purti (RAN) Sch. Tran Van Dien (VIE), Br. Ki-hyun Kim (KOR); (seated) Sch. Mark Lopez (PHI), Fr. Panus Winarto (IDO). |
During the meeting, points on Jesuit identity, the experience of living and working in mixed communities, Ignatian Spirituality, and the practice of poverty were shared. The group was also able to decide on the name for the new Jesuit house being built in Phnom Penh. In line with Fr General’s suggestion for creativity and meaningfulness, and also in the spirit of openness to our various partners in mission (religious and lay) the house will be named Prieb Saw (White Dove). The name draws from the tradition of Banteay Prieb and the logos of Jesuit Service and the Battambang Prefecture, all of which carry the white dove, an international symbol for peace and the biblical symbol for hope and the Holy Spirit.
As the meeting came to a close on the morning of the 31, guests began to arrive for the feast day mass and celebration for Sister Denise. Fr Gabriel Je (KOR), Delegate of the Korean Provincial, and Msgr Kike presided the mass. A program and a special dinner followed. During the program, representatives of all the Jesuit Service offices across Cambodia as well as many other friends of Sr. Denise paid her tribute while also extending their best wishes and support for incoming Director Fr Greg Priyadi (KOR).
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