THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NORTHWEST CAMBODIA

CHOMNAOUM

The parish of Chomnaom is situated in a village near a river lined by verdant bamboos. It is the second oldest parish in the Battambang Diocese, with some 120 Catholic families bearing well-entrenched faith and tradition. During the Pol Pot regime, its parish priest, Fr.Jean Badre, was killed by the Khmer Rouge.

The church was built in 2001 and gathers over one hundred families for celebrations. The pastoral centre makes it possible to conduct activities. Aside from regular liturgies, the parish council takes care of the sick persons, looks after the nutrition of malnourished babies, manages a rice bank to support the poor in times of famine, and helps to send children and youth to school.

A kindergarten takes care of over 70 children daily. In 2003, a primary school was built and a tailoring cooperative was created in 2004, after a tailoring training centre was built. Youth activities such as sports, training in leadership, music, group dynamics, and drama are also organized. In 2005 the road was repaired. Many youth in Chomnaom are provided with scholarships and access to secondary education in the nearby school and in Battambang city.

 

 

Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang; Phum Rumchek 1, Khum Rattanak; Box 330, Battambang, Cambodia Tel: +855 53 730219; Email: prefbatt@battambang.net