Ad Limina Visit of the Episcopal Conference of Laos and Cambodia

On the occasion of the ad limina Apostolorum visit of the Bishops of the Bishops’ Conference of Laos and Cambodia, a meeting took place at the Dicastery during which the Bishops shared several experiences concerning the liturgical and pastoral life of the local Churches.

During the conversation, reflection focused on the current socio-cultural situation of the two countries and on the consequences of conflicts and wars that have profoundly marked these peoples, causing widespread impoverishment not only materially, but also culturally and spiritually.

The importance of the geographical conditions of the territories was also highlighted, since they significantly affect missionary activity and the frequency with which communities are able to celebrate the sacraments.

Particular attention was devoted to the question of liturgical translations into both the principal languages and the languages of ethnic minorities. It was emphasized that the first book to be translated must above all be the Bible, the primary source of the euchology of the Missal and of the other liturgical books.

The Bishops also recalled that many ecclesial communities in their countries continue to live in territories of first evangelization and that some regions have only recently experienced the stable presence of missionaries. In such contexts, liturgical celebrations often constitute the first encounter between the Gospel and local cultures.

For this reason, the need to promote an authentic process of inculturation was reaffirmed, according to the principles outlined in the Instruction Varietates legitimae, so that the liturgy may express the faith of the Church within the various cultural and ethnic contexts of Laos and Cambodia.

Finally, gratitude was expressed for the great enthusiasm and dynamism with which many communities receive the Gospel, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of accompanying such growth through an ongoing process of permanent liturgical formation.