This year, Spanish Jesuit Fr Enrique “Kike” Figaredo SJ, known as the “The bishop of the wheelchairs” celebrates his 20th year as Apostolic Prefect of Battambang in Cambodia, where he has dedicated his whole life accompanying the Cambodian people.
What follows is an unofficial English translation of the article originally done in Spanish on the anniversary celebration published by Solidaridad, Ayuda y Unión Crean Esperanza (SAUCE), an NGO created in 2001 by a group of Fr Kike’s friends and family to support him in his mission of caring for Cambodians.
The anniversary of Monsignor Kike Figaredo SJ’s 20 years as Apostolic Prefect of Battambang was welcomed with enthusiasm and joy on 2 July. Since 2000, Fr Kike has been distributing wheelchairs and providing accompaniment to those who are most in need. He has encountered more than a few difficulties, since reality is greater than dreams, but his unquestionable dedication and commitment are even greater.
Although roles and responsibilities are shaped by time, we can still see him enjoying what he likes the most: being with people. A week before, he was in Kampong Chhnang visiting a physically disabled girl who is in the process of admission to our Arrupe Reception Center.
The anniversary event has shed light on the lives of the Prefecture community at this difficult time. A moment of reunion with distancing, where old colleagues are able to meet after a long time. The morning began with a mini soccer tournament in the Prefecture grounds, and as icing on the cake, a match was played between the “Lokpoks” team (priests) and the “Kanákamaká” (those responsible for pastoral activities) of Battambang–the first team won.
There was no lack of friends from Cáritas Cambodia, the various projects, social companies, foster homes and former workers and students who gathered to enjoy the moment. In addition, there was a charity bazaar with stalls from the Pet Yiey Chi Store, Cáritas, and the Yiey Ath Café.
In the afternoon, parishioners with masks and clean hands filled the Battambang parish. With the presence of 23 priests from different provinces throughout Cambodia, a Mass with great significance was celebrated, where prayers were also offered for the death of Ana María Alvargonzález, Fr Kike’s mother.
Fr Totet Banayal SJ’s homily was full of anecdotes, the girls from the different foster homes performed four traditional dances with great delicacy, and two of the oldest members of the Kanákamaká shared precious words about the mark that Fr Kike has left on the Prefecture. As Om Prañá said, “We know that your house is also here, with us.” [sauceong.org]