PHNOM PNENH: 23rd April 2005 --  Don Bosco Phnom Penh welcomed the first extraordinary visitation of Fr Vaclav Klement to Cambodia with songs, garlands and (inevitably) meetings.

    On arrival on Saturday 16th April, the last day of the Khmer New Year celebrations, he immediately began with a dialogue amongst the four SDBs of the Phnom Penh community.  Four days later he listened to the various groups of lay partners including WYD delegates, and visited the FMA presences.

    Fr Klement shared his dream for the community under three aspects: community life as laid out in the GC25 modules, building up the EPC through systematic formation of personnel and building up the Cambodian Church through sharing our charism of the Preventive System.

    A memorable moment during the visit was the blessing of the cornerstone for the CRoSS Project - Project Community Reaching out Salesian Shelter, a home and cetnre serving the educational and formational needs of street and rural children in the area.  The simple ceremony involved SDBs, Catholic teachers and students, social workers as well as Oratory animators and facilitators.

    Fr Klement then continued his visit in Sihanoukville where another Don Bosco community offers services to the youth in the Phnom Penh Diocese.  There he was blessed with the good news of the election of the new Pope.  He met all four Bishops of the country and parish priests at their annual retreat.

    Before departing for another diocese, Fr Klement met the two FMA communities in Phnom Penh and shared news of common interest.  He will conclude his visitation in Poipet, Northwest Cambodia on Sunday 24th April with an Assembly of all SDBs working in Cambodia.

    Thank you Fr Klement.  Your visit has brought new hope and courage to the communities in Cambodia.