By Fr. Albeiro Rodas, SDB

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 5 August 2016 -- Sister Sopheak Teresa Phim became today the third Cambodian to profess as a FMA sister at the Cambodia-Myanmar Province (CMY). Sister Sopheak made her first profession before Mgr. Enrique Figaredo, S.J., Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, at the Chapel of the Salesian Sisters at Teuk Thla Commune in the Cambodian capital.

We are happy as a Delegation and Salesian Family in thanking God for the gift of another local vocation in the temporary religious profession of Sr. Sopheak Teresa before Msgr. Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, at the Chapel of the Salesian Sisters at Teuk Thla.  She will be the third Cambodian to profess as an FMA.  We remember her in our prayers, that she will be faithful to the Lord in her self-offering for the salvation of the young.  We also include in our prayers her family, who willingly offered her to the Lord.  Our presence will be appreciated and will contribute to our ecclesial communion", wrote Fr. Roel Soto, Delegate for Cambodia in his invitation to join the ceremony.

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians arrived in Cambodia in 1992 with the mission to support the education and well being of Cambodian children and youth, especially young women with Educative Communities in Phnom Penh and Battambang. On August 5, 2009 there was the canonical creation of the Cambodia and Myanmar Province with headquarters in Phnom Penh and 6 communities (3 in Cambodia and 3 in Myanmar):

The Sisters are committed to a variety of works but always aimed at the education of the poorest children and young women. Human development is pursued through the kindergartens, primary schools, promotional centers for young women, in the youth centers, and after-school care. A formative strategy is also fostered in the visits to the families and in the hostels. The Sisters also work in the parishes and also offer their collaboration at diocesan level. The constant flow of vocations is enabling the Institute to develop in these countries", states the official presentation of the Province. 

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Mgr. Enrique Figeredo, S.J., Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, presided the ceremony of first profession of sister Sopheak.

The FMA Missionary sisters have been in the Kingdom of Cambodia since 1992 with 3 Educative and Pastoral Communities. 

Sister Teresita García, former MCY Provincial, is one of the FMA pioneers in Cambodia.

Sister Sopheak during her First Profession. 

Sister Sopheak directing the youth chorus at her First Profession ceremony.

A Cambodian sister directing her life for the love of God and young people at the best style of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.