Living Hope

TO WALK AS A PILGRIM…

“TO DO JUSTICE, TO LOVE TENDERLY,AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH OUR GOD.”

[MICAH 6:8]

Dear Pilgrims,

A Marist Solidarity Immersion is about connectedness and relationships, about choices and about an encounter with ourselves, each other, place and ultimately with God. It is first a matter of being with people, of listening with care and sharing with them. With a clear understanding that each of us is destined to be a person enlivened by the spirit. And each of us is called to be messengers of God’s spirit which calls us to do something for the other.

During our immersion to Cambodia every evening we gathered in prayer and reflection. The symbolic lighting of the candle for me was the kindling of our hearts and minds. The nightly reflections were moments of unique encounter and sharing for each pilgrim. Our daily journal entries were chances to share our observations, struggles and hopes, each word becoming an important depository to memory.

As each day ended, a multitude of experiences had happened, a volume of words had been spoken born of many thoughts and an array of emotions. Each blog post throughout our immersion was not only a way

of sharing the events of the day, but an insight in to how each pilgrim sees the world, sees each other and a deep inward reflection of self. This immersion allowed the pilgrims to gather as a Marist Community in hope and solidarity with the people of Cambodia. Throughout Living Hope you will encounter these daily reflections from each pilgrim. Included in this publication is my personal blog reflections as a complement to the words echoed by each young man.

To the people of Cambodia, thank you for your generosity and warmth. We will forever cherish the way in which you challenged each pilgrim to always aspire to be more. Thank you to the families and friends of the pilgrims. Your constant messages were a welcomed edition to each breakfast gathering and an important connectedness with home.

Thank you to Alexandra Rice for leading the 2017 Cambodia Marist Solidarity Immersion. Thank you also to Damien Gidley and Michelle Abrahmsen who with Alexandra and I shared this amazing experience with ten highly impressive young men. A special thank you

to Carolyn Young and Grace Florio who both spent many hours meticulously preparing every detail of our immersion experience. I personally wish to thank Paula Lay-Tran, who in collaboration with myself, was able to design this entire publication and bring life to our Cambodia encounter through this keepsake Living Hope.

Finally, to James Barbuto, Nicholas Hughes, Ronan Long, Gerard McConville, Lewis Michelangeli, Adrian Mikus, Conor Nolan, Julian Pegoraro, Benjamin Wells and Benjamin Wenckowski I say a heartfelt Arkoun, thank you. Each day I witnessed young men be Living Hope and the face of Christ for the other. Each pilgrim has left an indomitable footprint on my heart and the hearts of everyone they encountered in Cambodia.

I invite you to re-live our profound Cambodia immersion journey through the words and images throughout Living Hope.

Warmest regards,Adriano Di Prato Deputy Principal

សូមអរគុណ saum arkoun

Living Hope Thank you

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“A Marist Solidarity Immersion is about connectedness and relationships, about choices and about an encounter with ourselves, each other, place and ultimately with God.”

Pilgrims gather at Melbourne Airport

Siem Reap (Days 1-3)

“ We all can take away the understanding that we can’t do everything, but we can do something and do it well. ”

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Day 1 & 2 [ BENJAMIN WENCKOWSKI ]Our Cambodia Immersion began with farewelling our loved ones and flying for 8 hours from Melbourne to Singapore. This experience was exciting but difficult, and not made any easier by the baby that sat in front of us. Singapore airport provided us with our first opportunity to explore a foreign environment, then we flew to Siem Reap, our landing delayed by the arrival of a certain VIP. After finally getting out of the airport, we met our guides, and were driven to the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre. Following this experience, we ate lunch together, checked into our accommodation, then finished the day with the sunset at Pre Rup Temple.

The drive from Siem Reap airport to the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre provided us with our first display of patience (our reflection focus for the day). After a tumultuous flight, each of us decided to remain patient and put the experience above our need to rest. The silence on the bus trip struck me as surprising, as it was not that we were too tired to speak, everyone simply was taking in as much as they could of their new surroundings. This patience continued during our tour through the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre, as everyone was moved by the universal view of faith Sister Denise displayed. The collection of interfaith imagery within the chapel spoke to me most, displaying that a universal understanding of faith and a world vision is needed to progress our world peacefully. This interfaith message constituted the biggest surprise of the day for the me, along with the willingness each of us showed to experience new encounters, such as trying fried frog. I left the centre with a keepsake, a crucifix of Jesus with an amputated leg. This relates to the story in Matthew 25:35 when Jesus was hungry and was fed, when he was thirsty and was given a drink, and when he was a stranger and was welcomed. In each of these situations, people went out of their way to help Jesus, and this crucifix reminds me to go out of my way to help others.

Even after one day of immersion, Cambodia has provided too much to detail in just this reflection, I cannot possibly do the day justice in just this blog. Hopefully this gives some insight into our journey.

Living Hope Siem

Reap

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Pilgrims with Sr Denise at the Metta Karuna Reflection CentrePrayer session prior to departureFamily airport farewells

SIEM REAP

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Living Hope Siem Reap

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I’ll leave you with Pope Francis’ Prayer for Our Earth from Laudato Sí:

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.

You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.

Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.

Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.

O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.

Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.

Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.

Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.

We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.

Pre Rup TemplePhotos: Siem Reap Airport and pilgrims at Pre Rup Temple Pilgrim group at lunch Metta Karuna Reflection Centre

Chargrilled frog for lunch

On Saturday 2 December we departed Melbourne for our journey to Cambodia. A journey as pilgrims on a Marist Solidarity Immersion.

Once we arrived in Siem Reap after a brief stop in Singapore our group travelled to the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre to learn more about the challenges of Cambodia and the devastation of war, poverty, displacement and disability has had on the local people. Here we encountered Denise, a Mercy Sister who has devoted a large part of her faith life serving the needs of the Cambodian people.

Sr Denise, age impacting on her movement but clearly not her heart and mind. We witnessed an individual filled with a commitment for the other. Selfless to the core, driven by Jesus’ call of love and compassion. She shared many events that have supported the inherent dignity of Cambodian people, during moments of real struggle and despair. Each story punctuated by the wisdom of time and all filled with love and hope.

We all can take away the understanding that we can’t do everything, but we can do something and do it well. Sr Denise is but one example of what our humanity can look like should we choose a life where we give ourselves the permission to be better than we were yesterday. A life where we have the courage to challenge convention. A life, that through our witness of being inclusive, we rally against injustice. A life where the inherent dignity of ourselves, the places we experience, and the people we encounter, remain at the centre of our conscious being.

Living Hope Siem Reap

“TODAY’S WORLD DESPERATELY NEEDS YOUNG

MEN AND WOMENWHO ARE MYSTICS - PEOPLE

WHO ARE ABLE TO TOUCH THE MYSTERY

OF ALL LIFE,IN AN ATTITUDE OF OPENNESS

AND SURRENDER. HAVING EXPERIENCED THE LOVE

OF GOD, THEY ARE WITNESSES OF LIGHT AMONG THEIR

FELLOW PILGRIMS,INSPIRING THEM TO SEEK GOD.

”[WATER FROM THE ROCK, 71]

Day 3 [ JULIAN PEGORARO ]After a long day yesterday, we slept well and were ready for another wholesome day. We all woke before the sun had risen so we could experience the ancient temple of Angkor Wat and the legendary sunrise that accompanied it. We arrived before 6:30am and were treated to a fascinating history lesson given to us by our tour guide of the day ‘Seila’.

The sunrise was spectacular and seemed to reside from the temple itself. Angkor Wat is such a remarkable place it seemed almost comical that it only took 37 years to construct. The sheer complexity of detail that was placed into the smallest motifs and decorations shows the appreciation that the Khmer people have for the place in which they are rightly proud. Places such as doorways and even windowsill had a level of detail that amazed me.

Upon leaving Angkor Wat I proceeded to have my mind blown by a further two more temples. The unity of the people that constructed these masterpieces allowed the value of teamwork to shine through and showed me how we undervalue the concept back home, often unable to see the bigger picture. During one of the tours Selia stopped us all at the top of a staircase. He pointed out a statue of a lion protecting a dragon. He explained the concept that the lion values the life of the dragon more than its own. It’s seems illogical that the smaller animal is tasked to protect one that is much more physically powerful. Selia showed me how respect works in the Cambodia way of life that can be directly mirrored in the social economic status. The Khmer are considered much more inferior to their king, yet they will do anything for him.

In the evening, we ventured out into the streets of Siem Reap prior to consuming our final meal of the day. I was a little bit apprehensive as I am not known for my sense of direction, however I was able to experience a different side to Cambodia that did involve being sheltered underneath the teacher’s arms. During this time a theme that struck me was a that of desperation. Every vendor was desperate for money, desperate to do business, desperate to stay alive. It was crushing to know that I couldn’t help all the people, I’ll keep them forever in my prayers.

Day 3 of the Cambodian Immersion felt just as long and fulfilling as the first two. I am excited for the rest that is to come.

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Julian at Angkor Wat Temple Angkor Wat TempleExploring the famous Pub Street

Adrian reflecting at Angkor Wat Temple

No visit to Cambodia is complete without an encounter with a temple. It’s most significant, majestic and mysterious temple complex, Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, sits on an impressive site measuring 162.6 hectares.

This awe-inspiring temple is stunning for both its grand scale and its incredible detail. Angkor Wat’s central tower is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Vishnu was the preserver god, a creator of earth. It was transformed into a site of Buddhist worship in the 13th century.

The temple remains a powerful symbol of Cambodia, and is a source of great national pride. Angkor Wat, means “Temple City” or “City of Temples” in Khmer. It is the grandest and most durable representation of the classic Khmer architecture style. The temple is admired for the harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and for the numerous spirits adorning its walls.

Today my cultural awareness was heightened through being a living witness to the sheer splendour of one

person’s creative vision and aspiration. A true wonder of the world, Angkor Wat remains a fine example of great human endeavour and our human evolution. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of. All paying homage and giving gratitude to something greater than ourselves.

As humans we should endeavour to better ourselves in all aspects along our journey. We have a responsibility to future generations to aspire to be more in our stewardship of self, place and the other. This life is one we share with our present while building the foundations for a future not our own. It is our collective humanity that can transform earth as a place of hope, where the inherent dignity of all, people and Mother Nature collectively prosper.

Angkor Wat is a lesson for us all, there should be no boundaries to human endeavour. We are all different. And we are all called to unlock the possibility of our greatness.

When will you start?

Living Hope Siem

Reap

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“THE DRIVE BEHIND LIFE HAS LOST NONE

OF ITS POWER; PROOF THAT, IMPELLED BY THAT DRIVE, MAN CAN BUILD AS WELL

AS DESTROY; THAT IN HIS NATURE IS MORE

OF VISHNU THE CREATOR THAN OF SIVA

THE DESTROYER.

”[George Amos Dorsey]

“As humans we should endeavour to better ourselves in all aspects along our journey. ”

Ta Prohm Temple Photos: Pilgrims with Sotheara in Siem Riep, Angkor Wat at sunrise and a Monk at Angkor Wat Temple

Pailin (Days 4-10)

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Day 4 [ GERARD MCCONVILLE ]A day of travel after two long days of exploring the streets and temples of Siem Reap was the perfect opportunity for us to reflect and properly take in all that we had witnessed over the past two days. Whether it had been the sheer size of the temples that we had explored, or the intricate detail that had been carved into the sandstone, our journey to Pailin allowed us to silently ponder or converse with our fellow pilgrims the wonders that we had seen. We stopped in Battambang where we were treated to lunch at The Lonely Tree Cafe, a cafe in which all profits are donated to those in need around Cambodia. On the ground floor of the restaurant was a shop filled with unique Cambodian handicrafts which made as beautiful gifts for ourselves and our loved ones.

Upon entering Pailin we had our first confronting sight of the level of poverty in which many of the families lived. I personally found this to be a motivator through compassion as I felt an overwhelming desire to help each family. It was an insight into just how privileged we are in Australia, as these families lived in houses which rarely consisted of four walls, yet still were smiling and laughing with each other, again pushing the idea that material items do not equate to happiness.

Our first stop in Pailin was the Pastoral Centre where we had our first encounter with some of the students which we would be teaching over the coming days, all of whom were smiling and so grateful for the opportunity to learn. Here we met Brother Francis, who told us of the task which we would be completing over the next few days, the construction of a 47m concrete drain. We were treated to dinner at the Pastoral Centre after settling into the Bamboo guest house, where we would be staying during our time in Pailin. After chatting with Brother Francis, we had our first real interaction with the Cambodian students, we met three boys, aged 13, 14 and 16, whilst initially shy, after engaging with them and asking questions the boys begun to open and the foundation for a strong relationship was built. All three of the boys lived at the Pastoral Centre and were beautifully unique in their own ways. This being our prompt for journaling before bed, a session in which we were encouraged to explore how we realized the uniqueness in others. Our reflection consisted of each pilgrim affirming one another for something that they admired in them over our time in Cambodia, I feel this helped in both building our strong bond but also supporting one another and recognizing value, courage, presence and qualities which people had been showing.

Whilst we have been given so many incredible experience after four days, I believe we have not yet even scratched the surface of what our pilgrimage will entail.

Living Hope Pailin

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Conor making friends on his first day at the Marist Pastoral CentreOn the bus to PailinSampling Pork Bao at the bus stop

PAILIN

Today was a long day of travelling from our wonderful encounter with Siem Reap on route to our main destination, Pailin via the town of Battambang. Throughout the day I created some space to simply observe the other, seeing it as an opportunity to gain a clearer perspective about the young men in our care.

My observations confirmed that everyone has something unique to offer. I saw young men be generous with fellow global travellers, engaging in dialogue and banter. I saw young men listen with care, and check in with those feeling a tad weary. I saw young men initiate warm introductions with local Cambodia children. I saw young men showcase their natural kindness and compassion.

Each young man on this immersion has had varied life experiences. From loss and disappointment to great joy and celebration. Each young man is on a journey of self-awareness and discovery. Each young man is a unique and special being. It is a privilege to be present and sharing this part of their meaning-making.

Being unique is much more than a skill — it is an innate quality fuelled by our deepest passions, and nurtured by an unwavering sense of purpose. It is important that they, and we, remind ourselves the often-deep desire to please others, rather than live the life we’re called too, has probably killed a lot of dreams and can be most crippling.

We need to remember that a fulfilling life will emerge from a conscientious approach to unlocking, living and sharing our unique gift with the world. A gift that bears witness to daring to be different and celebrating the special uniqueness that is each of us. And not worrying about what others may say.

Our life experiences thus far have made us the people we are today. Others will have been affected by our life and our presence here, whether we realise it or not.

I’ll leave you with the words of Marianne Williamson: “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You’re playing small does not serve the world.”

Living Hope Pailin

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“BE DARING, BE DIFFERENT, BE IMPRACTICAL, BE

ANYTHING THAT WILL ASSERT INTEGRITY OF PURPOSE

AND IMAGINATIVE VISION AGAINST THE PLAY-IT-SAFERS,

THE CREATURES OF THE COMMONPLACE, THE SLAVES

OF THE ORDINARY.

”[Cecil Beaton]“Being unique is much more than a skill — it is an innate quality fuelled by our deepest passions, and nurtured by an unwavering sense of purpose.”

Ronan entertaining local children Photos: Adrian and James making friends at the Marist Pastoral Centre

Living Hope Pailin

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Day 5 [ BENJAMIN WELLS ]What a fantastic and inspiring first full day we have had in Pailin. We started our journey today with breakfast at the Pastoral Centre sharing the meal with the brothers who work there. We soon headed off to the Brother’s Residence to start our construction task that we have been allocated for the week, while Julian, James and Nicholas stayed at the Pastoral Centre to participate in and teach English classes to the young kids. These boys have told me that they had an amazing time with the kids, with many of them hanging off their arms and legs the entire time.

When the rest of us arrived at the Brother’s Residence, we were amazed to learn that we would be working with workmen, who had only the basic of gardening tools to build the sewerage pipe we were building, something that would never be seen back in Australia. However, this didn’t stop them from doing their job with commitment and passion, and while there were some language barriers, we were able to make an excellent start to the pipe line.

We returned for lunch and then back to our hotel for a swim before making our way back to the Marist Pastoral Centre for the next session of English classes. While we were waiting for these to start we engaged in conversation with the local kids and even had a small 3v3 soccer game, in which we all enjoyed.

Once we stepped into the classroom and started teaching, we quickly learnt just how grateful the kids were to be there, and how lucky we are to have the education system we have. There was laughter, happiness and a powerful will to learn.

Many of the people we encountered today live a life that is extremely underprivileged compared to us, but how they go about their lives, is something that is inspiring and something I truly respect and aim to live out in my own life. They use the limited resources they have to get the most out of their lives and are always striving toward future goals while many Australians and people living much better lives complain that they don’t have enough. This fills me with hope that one day, Cambodia will be free from the confronting situation they live in today, and that they will be able to experience the opportunities that we have as Australians.

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Julian and Conor teaching English classesNicholas and Ben teaching English classes A local farmer with produce

Today we had the opportunity to work alongside two local men on a project to lay large covert concrete pipes. I was eager to simply roll up my sleeves and get involved.

For a moment after we finished clearing excess debris from the trench I stood, angry and frustrated. Not because of the arduous nature of the work in the heat. Not because I felt that we were superior in any way to the two workers. What struck me was the disparity of construction knowledge and working conditions compared to that afforded to us in privileged Australia.

I witnessed two men who were fine examples of the Marist characteristic Love of Work. Two men that worked exceptionally hard in ensuring the construction was perfect. Proud and industrious. Yet I struggled to understand why they couldn’t be exposed to methods that would empower and facilitate real progress and growth. I remain an idealist, believing that irrespective of circumstance we should all have the same opportunities to live an abundant life. Unfortunately, this is not a reality in many parts of this broken world. The context that these two men find themselves in ensures they will forever remain vulnerable. The injustice was pronounced in my eyes.

Once I overcame my initial anger, I suggested an alternative method with the materials at our disposal. Over the course of the second hour we doubled our output. More importantly we were open to the other. Even with a language barrier we managed to communicate and work hard in making great progress on this project.

What started off as anger toward an obvious injustice, which still exists, was restored through the generosity of our boys throughout the project. I encounter young men walking humbly alongside these two local workers. Defaulting to their obvious expertise. I encountered young men behaving in the most modest manner, never once “entitled” or too confident about themselves or abilities in the presence of these two men. And finally, I encountered young men modelling Simplicity in a profound way, never acting with pretence, including the two local workers during all water breaks and morning tea.

Our future promise bearing witness to today’s Gospel. Humble, Simple and Modest. Young men providing yeast far beyond their years.

Living Hope Pailin

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“THERE IS NOTHING NOBLE IN BEING SUPERIOR TO YOUR FELLOW MAN; TRUE NOBILITY IS BEING SUPERIOR TO YOUR

FORMER SELF.

”[Ernest Hemingway]

“I witnessed two men who were fine examples of the Marist characteristic Love of Work.”

Pipeline project Photos: The daily walk to the Marist Pastoral Centre and the pipeline project at the Brother’s Residence in Pailin

Living Hope Pailin

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Day 6 [ LEWIS MICHELANGELI ]Our second full day in Pailin has come to close and our reflections centred around our Marist intention of seeing God in all things. Today’s events brought along several people and moments that encapsulate the meaning of this intention.

Personally, I clearly got off to a bright start, by accidentally sleeping 30 minutes too late and only waking up when everyone was ready to leave, and being in such a rush that I forgot my own drink bottle in the room. Thankfully, Brother Francis had whipped up another fabulous breakfast that inspired myself and many others to work harder to burn the fat off (those chocolate covered pancakes were worth it though).

When I think of “seeing God in all things”, I envision someone or something that inspires me to be better, or that shows love and compassion to all. Brother Francis is the personification of exactly that. It would not be doing him any justice to say that he has been a loving, caring and inspiring figure just today, because since we arrived, he has done all he could to ensure that we all have smiles on our faces, while having his own cheeky smile himself.

So, after Breakfast, it was back to similar service as yesterday. Adrian, Ben, Ronan and Aley spent their morning in the classrooms, while the rest of us continued working on our project at the Brothers’ Residence. To our surprise, there had been extra progress on the project in our absence, which is credited to the amazing hard work of the two Cambodian workers who had been there as well. These workers were putting in more yards than anyone, despite not having access to any great equipment or tools. This is the second main point of seeing God today, because they were an inspiration for myself to work harder in the service of others.

When I look at Brother Francis, and the two workers, I see commonality between them. Yesterday, the group looked at the three Marist virtues, simplicity, modesty and humility. These people work in such a humble and simple manner, showing love to others with the main objective of serving the other. They humbly ask for little in return, and in the case of the workers, have such simple tools, but because of their ignited passion to serve, can achieve greater things.

Towards the tail end of the day, most of us students played in a game of football with the Cambodian kids, and despite being outnumbered, were coached to victory by the expertise of Adrian and Gerard. That’s unimportant though, because what’s important is the engagement and relationships formed with the children here. We all had a lovely time, and despite the banter between teammates over open shot misses, we were creating lasting memories for us and the Cambodian kids.

Seeing God has not been a difficult thing on this Immersion, because it’s everywhere. All of us are eager to continue reflecting his love for the other as our journey continues.

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Adrian and Nicholas teaching the local students about cover letters and resumes Benjamin and Lewis teaching an English class on day 6Merci celebrating her birthday with our pilgrims

It is impossible for your body to be at rest, for it to be your day off, for you to be on a holiday and yet not really be at rest. For human hearts are forever restless. On a constant journey between love and fear.

A most common struggle we have as humans is a turmoil of the soul - an unrest of the heart. A restlessness that often takes us beyond our inner compass, allowing ourselves to externalise all that happens. Often this internal struggle can leave one emptier and even more diminished. The last place that we think to look at satisfying our restless hearts is within ourselves and within the other - people and place.

What would happen if we chose to see God in all things we encountered? The wisdom of Saint Augustine rings true: “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

Rather than trying to fill the restlessness with mindless entertainment or indulging our cravings, sit still and see God in the face of the places and people you encounter. I particularly savour the moments of stillness we enjoy that take us by surprise. These moments seize us. They envelope all our senses and captivate our heart.

Today I witnessed two young men offer labouring gloves to two local workers as we continued our pipeline

project. A simple gesture, one born from a genuine position of love, care and compassion for the other. Today, these two young men were the face of God for the other. Two young men that moved my heart by their kind gesture.

When we ‘find’ God by realising that Jesus is the way, we make the amazing discovery that although we thought we were looking for meaning, for that place of rest for our souls, that, HE was looking for us all along. HE was looking for us to discover that the truth we seek is deep within our hearts.

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…” [John 14:6]

We can only find ourselves by making a sincere gift to self, which is in the profoundness of honouring self. Therefore, lean into the discomfort of your restlessness and be open to seeing God in all things, including yourself. This, the joy of simply savouring the moment by being present in each encounter. Allow yourself to enter in the real sense of things around you, as this kind of simplicity has majesty. Be open to your stark reality, and embrace every opportunity to forgive, love and honour your truth.

Your heart is not a place to visit. It is your home. For the Kingdom, an eternal promise of hope, lives within.

Living Hope Pailin

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“GOD IS HERE, RIGHT NOW AT OUR SIDE. WE CAN SEE HIM IN THIS

MIST IN THE GROUND WE’RE WALKING ON EVEN IN MY SHOES. HIS ANGELS KEEP WATCH WHILE WE SLEEP

AND HELP US IN OUR WORK. IN ORDER TO FIND GOD

YOU HAVE ONLY TO LOOK AROUND.

”[PAULO COELHO]“Your heart is not a place to visit. It is your home.”

Working hard as a team on the pipeline project Photos: A local version of UberEats and the road to the Marist Pastoral Centre

Living Hope Pailin

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Day 7 [ CONOR NOLAN ]Coming into our second last day of our teaching and building works we showed our sense of eagerness to make the most of it with another early morning wake up and walk to the Pastoral Centre with a fashionably late Mr Di Prato (actually only once!) to appreciate yet another amazing breakfast prepared by Brother Francis. After discussing the day that was ahead of us, we were able to squeeze in that fun filled 15 minutes to spend with the young kids in the yard - consisting of shoulder rides, kick to kick and being chased by 10 young screaming Cambodian kids.

Starting off the final laying of the pipes without the chief and acquaintance David was a good challenge whilst they were retrieving the cement materials required. This showed the sincerity in all members in the group as they knew jobs needed to be tended to and showed their inner sense of Love of Work and performed some seriously special acts. The natural work horse form of Adrian, Ben and James was a great addition to the pipe lifting team as Adriano worked with them to call the precise shots on the placing of the final pieces. Whilst this occurred the cement sealing production clinic was well underway including the members of Julian, Aley, Hughsey, Ronan, our legend professional Pan and myself. We made great progress as the day came to an end and introducing a new member to the headband crew, David.

After an exquisite lunch again prepared by the best Brother named Francis in Pailin, we made our way back to our beloved Bamboo accommodation which was a great time to rest, shower and belt out some bars of Power of Your Love to regroup ourselves before returning to the Pastoral Centre. A classic path walked by us pilgrims six times a day. Kicking off another soccer match between Cambodia and Australia sparked a massive 15 people crowd and provided for the afternoon playtime entertainment. The match ended with a fair fought 3-3 score line that showed the toughness and brutally hot and humid game. New forms of sweat were made possible with this heat (Adrian Mikus).

Being blessed with another chance to teach the students English was amazing fun playing games and seeing their appreciation and gratitude to have the opportunity to learn from us. Receiving a gift of freshly picked lychees from a girl named Caroline really highlighted the Marist intention of the day of being sincere from the heart. Being so grateful of the time she has spent with us and creating great friendships shows her great personality and appreciation. This moment affected me in a way that sparked a friendship between us as she had also asked for my Facebook to be able to chat when I return home. It tells me friendships are so special and need to be valued more with appreciation towards others and not take it for granted.

Finishing the day with a great disco prepared by the students of the Pastoral Centre made a great end to the week with laughter, dancing and smiles. Everyone joining in and getting into it strengthened the group’s bond and our bond with the students. What a day!!

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All the large concrete pipes are nearly in place on our project at the Brother’s ResidenceLewis and Benjamin teaching an English class Aley and Ronan applying concrete

To serve is to have a compassionate awareness of the other, to be attentive to the deep human need of another person and to respond to this need in love. It is a time to spread some warmth, spread some smiles, radiate hope and compassion.

Each day I have been witness to the generosity of all pilgrims with the people we encounter and serve in Cambodia. Gentle and kind and most giving of their time.

Each young man fully understands that goodness itself, not the pressure or reward, is the reason for doing good.

“When pure sincerity forms within, it is outwardly realised in other people’s hearts.” ~ Lao Tzu

Each pilgrim reminds us that it is not so much the quantity as the quality of our giving that matters. Thank you to each pilgrim for the gift of your generosity and service. They simply continue to do good out of an inherent sincerity for the other. For their sincerity is an openness of their heart.

Living Hope Pailin

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“LET US CONTINUE TO COME NEAR WITH SINCERE HEARTS

IN THE FULL ASSURANCE THAT FAITH PROVIDES,

BECAUSE OUR HEARTS HAVE BEEN SPRINKLED CLEAN FROM A GUILTY CONSCIENCE AND

OUR BODIES HAVE BEEN WASHED WITH PURE WATER.

”[HEBREW 10:22]

“It is a time to spread some warmth, spread some smiles, radiate hope and compassion.”

Pilgrims at the Marist Pastoral Centre Photos: Pilgrims working alongside two local men to complete the pipeline project

Living Hope Pailin

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Day 8 [ ADRIAN MIKUS ]Being a Saturday, there was no English classes at the Pastoral Centre today and this allowed us to explore Pailin and reflect on the journey that this immersion has been. A trip to the Pailin markets provided us the opportunity to explore the culture of the Khmer people, but it once again highlighted the state of desperation that many people of Cambodia are forced to live in because of the country’s social and economic issues. We then drove to the Thai border after the markets, with the intention of making an illegal crossing to highlight many of the underlying issues still prevalent in our global society; racism and exploitation. The Cambodian border is well known for its ‘porous’ nature and is very easy to cross illegally, promoting activities such a human trafficking. To expose this issue, the group of pilgrims and Brother Francis attempted to cross the border unofficially through a border checkpoint. It was all going well until the border guard noticed that Brother Francis was African and very quickly changed his indifferent nature to one of vigilance, resulting in us turning around out of fear of our visas being revoked and becoming stranded in Thailand.

This action of a single man highlights that racism and indifference is still present in our global society today, and although this thought process breeds actions that degrades people, it also allows us to contemplate how some members of society are not willing to accept others simply because of appearance. This ‘closure’ to other people provides us with the opportunity to consider how important it is to be open, rather than closed, and to accept each other’s differences and base judgement, if any, upon character and deed, not race or nationality.

Tonight’s reflection addressed this challenge addressing the importance of remaining open to all things present within our immersion experience. The concept of ‘remaining open’ to all is one that is integral to the trip and presents the opportunity for all of us to grow and develop. Remaining open has presented me with the opportunity to truly embrace all the opportunities that this encounter has offered. Being open has allowed both myself and the group to actively engage with the local children and create amazing and fulfilling experiences that we will all remember long after this immersion concludes. It has allowed us to immerse ourselves in the life of the Khmer people and truly appreciate the differences and the beauty of a culture very removed from our own. Many of the boys were willing to put themselves out of their comfort zones, whether this be by teaching English to non-English speaking students, playing with young children, working hard on the pipeline or simply trying foods foreign to western cuisine (including snake, scorpion and various bugs - very adventurous boys!). By grasping these opportunities with an open mind and investing ourselves fully in the immersion, we have allowed ourselves to create a truly unforgettable experience, containing memories that we will all cherish forever.

Previous posts have spoken of the daily soccer matches with the locals attending the English classes at the Marist Pastoral Centre in Pailin, and these games have been a most memorable aspect of this immersion. They bring true joy to all, whether this be the participants (both Australian and Cambodian) or the spectators on the sidelines. In preparation for our final deciding game on Monday, we purchased matching soccer jerseys from a Pailin market for us to wear. These jerseys not only serve to make the soccer matches even more enjoyable, but they are also a symbol of how close the group has grown over the last few days. The entire group has formed amazing bonds of friendship throughout this immersion through the sharing of such a unique experience and we all look forward to further strengthening this during the next few days and beyond. I know I have enjoyed this immersion thoroughly and I personally look forward to all the amazing experiences that the final few days will bring.

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Pilgrims with Brother Francis at the Marist Pastoral CentreWat Phnom Yat temple and exploring Pailin Markets

We can all look out on a world where there are many differences and inequalities between people. Every time I have visited a developing country with poor infrastructure, human trafficking, unethical governments, polluted environments and chaotic road systems, I couldn’t help but compare to the privilege of my fortunate life in Australia. Even now, I feel saddened whenever I think about the stark contrast in the fates of the people in both living situations.

This economic disparity and vast difference in the quality of living makes me wish that we could do more to bridge the gap for true justice.

Today, most people in the world have access to more rights and privileges than previous generations ever did. This has occurred on the shoulders of giants who refused to accept the status quo through an unrelenting determination to challenge the system. Figures such as Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and most recently the awe-inspiring Malala Yousafzai, individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to championing injustice for the voiceless and oppressed.

Our challenge is remaining open to all things that create a tension in our hearts. Our challenge is to unlock what burns deep inside each off us and commit to making difference through real action. This is our call in keeping the dangerous memory of Jesus alive. For he was the greatest example of challenging norms and conventions, modelling a profound way to live justly. This extract from Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw’s prayer, A Step Along the Way speaks to our responsibility to the other: “We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.” We may be in Cambodia for a fleeting moment. But our collective commitment to the children of Pailin, ever so small, is still real and tangible. I know we can’t do everything, but we are doing something. That something may impact vulnerable generations, compelling them to see their possibility and hope for a future free of today’s injustice. Begin your personal contribution to our collective humanity now.

Living Hope Pailin

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“Our challenge is remaining open to all things that create a tension in our hearts.”

Ben enjoying the view Photos: A local on his bike, our nightly prayer candle and pilgrims at Wat Phnom Yat Temple

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Day 9 [ JAMES BARBUTO ]Coming into our second last day of our teaching and building works we showed our sense of eagerness to make the most of it. A well-earned sleep in was the first highlight of the day. Allowing us to be rested and rejuvenated for another big day in Pailin.

The Marist intention for the day was ‘for a deeper sense of justice’. Today along with every day on this trip has allowed us to gain a deeper insight into what this intention means. Personally, I came into this trip with no preconceived ideas, I wanted to take everything as it came and embrace everything for what it was instead of comparing it to what I thought it would be like. This way of thinking has enabled me to be open to all experiences and develop a new perspective.

As soon as we stepped of the plane at Siem Reap I noticed injustices in the Cambodian society. From the way people live; in those little tin shacks, to the way the people dress; wearing worn out clothes that we would usually throw out. All has made me realise that we are so lucky in Australia and that justice is not equal for all.

Today begun with a very stress less and relaxed morning as we helped clean the classrooms and get ready for the big trip to the pool. Cleaning the classrooms was the first sense of injustice I saw today. Their rooms have no fans or cooling, they only have one whiteboard and no form of technology, just pen and paper. I thought to myself how can they have the same opportunities in life as us when they do not have the same access. This unfairness and lack of opportunity has really struck me and has stayed with me.

After lunch we went to the local pool for a swim with some of the kids from the Marist Pastoral Centre. The transportation to the pool was like nothing I had ever seen before. Kid upon kid piled into the back of the ute that Mr. Di Prato was driving, personally I am unsure which was more dangerous. The kids were so excited to spend the afternoon with us at the pool, their innocent smiles and cheekiness gave me a sense of happiness and a feeling that we were making a real difference. Whilst at the pool we played many ball games and did numerous piggy backs for the little Cambodian kids. The smiles and excitement in the kids’ faces was priceless. It surprised me that such a small gesture can have such an effect on a group of people. What we see as a normal thing to do is a novelty for them, showing the injustice.

In the late afternoon we shared mass with Br. Francis and we were joined by many families and students. This was another opportunity for us to connect with members of the community. Many babies and children were present, and they threw themselves at us, hanging off whatever they could. Me being the big softie I absolutely loved it.

Today was a very enjoyable and eye-opening day. If there is one thing I am going to take away from this experience it is the importance of relationships. Going forward this experience has inspired me to make the most of the opportunities I have. Cambodia has allowed me to discover how fortunate we are back in Australia and it is up to us to make this most of this. It has also inspired me to keep making a difference in the lives of the people I love but also the people who need my love. The influence a little gesture can have is life changing and that is one thing I want everyone reading this to realise. Whilst you might not think that what you are doing is helping the other, I can assure you it is having a greater effect than you can imagine.

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Fun times with the children at a local pool Group photo before Mass and Sunday Mass

Living Hope Pailin

70 years ago, today, on the 10 December 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the now historic document - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Champion of human rights Eleanor Roosevelt worked on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She wrote parts of its text, helping to keep the language direct and clear and focused on inherent dignity of each human being. It was clear she was seeking a deeper sense of freedom, justice and peace for the entire world.

On Human Rights Day I’ll leave you with her words as a call to do something and be something for the other: “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office

where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

Living Hope Pailin

43“TO DENY PEOPLE THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS IS TO

CHALLENGE THEIR VERY HUMANITY.

”[NELSON MANDELA]

Selfie time before Mass at the Marist Pastoral Cemtre Photos: James and Adrian with local children and group photo prior to Mass

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Day 10 [ RONAN LONG ]Our final day after five event filled days in Pailin, and after all I have experienced, I can truly say I now have a solid idea of the meaning of Solidarity. Although an idea I have known before, but seeing the smiling faces of the children who live in such poor conditions and the dedication of those trying to help them has given me a greater understanding of the concept as a whole.

The experience in Pailin has been one of growth in many aspects, from the group growing closer together to the individual growth of each boy. Everyone has done things they would’ve thought they may not be able to do in their life, and to see how confident many of the boys have been during this pilgrimage has made me proud to be part of such a great group.

Our day today consisted of many goodbyes and many thanks from people, making it an emotional and touching day, a day I will not soon forget. Our final day at the workplace proved effective, as we finally finished covering the pipe line we had laid the days before. As I had seen on other days, the sense of comradeship among both our group and the workers amazed me, and filled me with hope that these boys would take this teamwork back to Marcellin with them. The next big event of the day was the final soccer match, an exciting experience I was glad I could be a part of. Seeing the Cambodian kids run out a full 90-minute game with us and enjoying themselves made me realize how much these kids looked up to us and saw us as role models. I didn’t think such small things could have such a big impact on me and others around me, but it was exactly what I was seeing around me.

The night after was filled with laughter, games and heartfelt moments. I was especially touched at the goodbyes between pilgrim and Cambodian. The teacher I had helped through our time at Pailin came and found me, and embraced me in a hug, thanking for me for everything I had done, which warmed my soul to know that something so small again could have such an impact. The man was an amazing teacher and a gentle soul, and he has truly inspired me to work my hardest this year, not just academically, but faithfully as well, for I have seen what it can truly do. Tears were shed by some of the Cambodian children when they knew of our leaving. These trips bring so much influence to these kids and it is amazing to see how deeply they care for our visits, because at least I know that this trip has been as impactful on them as it has on me.

Our last dinner in Pailin had speeches from Aley and Br Francis, both of which were very heart-warming to hear. Br Francis has such a faith-filled outlook on life, and as a Liturgy Captain next year, I know I will take his lessons and prayers and put them into action at Marcellin. He does so much in this community and it saddens me to leave the Marist Pastoral Centre, but I know that one day my travels will lead me back to this place.

Overall, as I reflect on my time in Pailin, I think of everything I have learnt from the people here. I think of the growth I have seen in each one of the boys and teachers of this trip. I think of how I can take the lessons I have learnt here and apply them to life at Marcellin and beyond. But most of all, I think of the children here, how I have impacted them through my interactions but more importantly, how they have impacted me and my outlook on this world.

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Pre game Team Australia Final words of encouragement before kick-offPost match group photo - Cambodia 4 vs Australia 6

Living Hope Pailin

Today I reflected upon the past week in Pailin, Cambodia. Through the lens of the five Marist Characteristics I have personally experienced young men being living water for all they encountered.

I have witnessed Love of Work through the actions of the pilgrims in building a concrete pipeline and sharing their knowledge of the English language via the classroom. Never a day where they shirked their responsibilities, even during hot and trying conditions. And with each they brought energy, humour and an unwavering commitment.

I have witnessed the power of Presence, with our boys actively engaging in building of positive relationships with the local children and each other. Each encounter founded in love and respect for the inherent human dignity of the other.

I have witnessed In The Way of Mary through the tenderness, devotion and generosity of the glorious Brother Francis, giving fruit to Jesus’ solidarity with people in need and on the margins. An amazing man

dedicated to living out what the Gospel proclaims - love, compassion and forgiveness.

I have witnessed Simplicity, with each young man open and humble with all they encounter, devoid of pretence or entitlement. Each being openhearted and displayed much respect and value for the other - people and place.

And finally, I have witnessed Family Spirit. These young men have created an irresistible bond with each other and the children of Pailin. They share in each encounter and have fostered relationships that are genuine and caring.

It is an honour for me as an educator to bear witness to today’s Gospel through the living example of these young men.

The highlights of my ministry in Pailin have been watching young men understand their place, responsibility and privilege in this world. They have embraced all opportunities by immersing in all activities with real intent and action - from a divine place of justice and love.

Virtute Ad Altissima

Living Hope Pailin

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“IN LIVING OUR SPIRITUALITY, WE FIND OUR THIRST QUENCHED AT THE STREAMS OF “LIVING WATER”.

IN TURN WE BECOME “LIVING WATER” FOR OTHERS.

”[WATER FROM THE ROCK, 14]

Strike a pose - the pipeline crew Photos: Pipeline crew content with their Love of Work, brick walls finished and local student Merci teaching younger levels English

Phnom Penh (Days 11-14)

“And I feel that these experiences will help me learn to become a better individual. Cambodia, thank you.”

Living Hope Phnom

Penh

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Day 11 [ NICHOLAS HUGHES ]The pilgrims were up bright and early (although it was still dark at 3.30am) as we set our sights for Phnom Penh after a spectacular week serving the community in Pailin. Being a travel day consisting of very low-intensity, it gave us the chance to reflect on the past week, reminisce about the positives, recall the challenges and remember the people we encountered. There were so many positives during our time in Pailin that it is nearly impossible to pinpoint one or two certain highlights. Meeting Brother Francis was certainly a highlight, with his smile, generosity and outstanding cooking making the Marist Pastoral Centre a wonderful place to be each day. The morning teaching with the young children was probably the highlight of our time there, as the smiles and cuddles of each of the students warmed up everyone’s morning. Working on the pipeline was a definite highlight, as it was so rewarding to see the fruits of our labour come together at the end of a physically taxing week, demonstrating the camaraderie we had formed as a group. The swimming day with the children, the soccer matches at the Pastoral Centre, the English classes in the evening, sharing mass together in Khmer, the list could go on. Upon reflection during the car ride, it is certain that it has been a wonderful, productive and worthwhile week. I can only hope and pray that our impact on the children has been but a fraction of theirs on us, as that would indicate a wonderfully successful week. As the tears rolled down my cheeks last night while bidding farewell to Brother Francis and the children, it was confirmed in my mind that I most definitely intend to return to Pailin and to the Pastoral Centre in the (hopefully) not too distant future.

Onto the events of the day itself, despite having to overcome many close calls and near misses as our drivers weaved expertly in and out of heavy traffic along the roads, we made our way to the Alibi hotel in Phnom Penh unscathed. After lunch at the Jars of Clay restaurant, a remarkable place which provides job opportunities for women and girls who have experienced hardships, and dedicates 10% of their profits to helping other women in need. We looked through the Jesuit Peace Store as we all finalised gifts for ourselves, loved ones and our ‘Prayer Buddies’ before time is up. From there we headed to the Russian Markets to further extend our flourishing bartering skills and add to our overflowing luggage. As has been said in many blog posts previously, what is alarming is the sheer desperation in the market vendors to sell their products and earn money to make a living. As you walk through the lines of stalls, you are constantly stopped and harried and hassled by the vendors who plead for you to purchase from them. It is gut wrenching to walk past them and leave them disappointed, and I only wish that I could help them all in some way.

Our Marist intention for the evening reflection was ‘That we realise we are the body of Christ’ as we were called to ponder how we have been Christ-like on the trip so far, and how we continue to emulate Jesus’ example in the remaining days. There have been so many demonstrations within the group where we put the needs of others before those of ourselves, just as Jesus taught us to do. Whether it was giving up our soccer kits after the match, dedicating our time and effort to the classes and the pipeline, and constantly checking in on each of our fellow pilgrims, the group has constantly been selfless and self-giving in everything we have done. This will be needed no more than it will tomorrow, as we encounter the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. We are all aware that it will be a confronting, emotionally challenging day, but also an incredibly enriching one, as we further aim to live in solidarity with the Cambodian people, by walking alongside them and experiencing and understanding their and their history.

Tomorrow will serve to be another eye-opening day for the pilgrim group, and we will all pledge to be like Christ and look out for each other, as we aim to make the most of another wonderful opportunity to connect with the Cambodian people and their plight.

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Rooftops of Phnom Penh Benjamin, Julian, Benjamin and Nicholas enjoying a Tuk Tuk ride through the streets of Phnom Penh

PHNOM PENH

Ronan at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Photos: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Conor taking some to to reflect on the Cambodia Genocide and the pilgrim group at the Killing Fields

“If the Cambodia genocide teaches us anything it surely must be our collective responsibility to the inherent dignity of each human.”

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Living Hope Phnom

Penh

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Once arrested, her confessions spanned hundreds of documents. Her file was the largest of any prisoner at S-21, greater than any of the high-ranking officials that were arrested. To me, this spoke of a destruction of human spirit; not only did they wish to force confessions and kill innocents, the regime wished to crush spirits, destroy hope and ensure no-one would have the strength to create an uprising.

One of Mr Murphy’s questions to our pilgrim group was how our newfound knowledge challenged or furthered our faith in and understanding of God. Witnessing the evidence of these atrocities made me question how our peaceful and loving God could let this occur, and how it continued for almost four years. But my faith in God was strengthened when I saw the face of Chum Mey, a survivor of S-21 who had bravely returned to the location of his torture to share his experience and educate the younger generations. His smile was warm and reminded me that hope survives through these difficult ordeals and the face of Christ remains present in those who suffer. The other positive I drew from our trip to S-21 was the large number of Cambodian students who were there and the booth that asked for donations to allow them to sponsor students from all over the country to visit the museum. This emphasised how the youth is the future and how we are tasked with using our newfound knowledge to ensure these memories live on, to protect against potential atrocities of the future. Our Marist intention focused on understanding, and our journey through S-21 developed our understanding of the other, inspiring us, and other youths, to be the face the Christ in the future, to guide our world in the way we choose.

Choeung EK was an equally challenging location to visit. I, like many of us, was struck by some of the Khmer Rouge slogans: “Better to kill an innocent by mistake then to spare an enemy by mistake”, “To keep you is no gain, to lose you, no loss” and “To dig up the grass, one must remove the roots”. These three slogans summarized the Khmer Rouge’s actions, killing of innocents, disregard of humanity and mass slaughter. These slogans were evident in physical form in the mass graves of Choeung EK, where hundreds were buried in each grave. The audio tour of Choeung EK created images of deaths without dignity, not allowing the peace everyone deserves in death. Mothers were forced to watch as their babies’ heads were smashed against a tree, then flung into graves. DDT was poured into graves to dull the smell of death. Loud music was played through speakers to drown out the screams of the innocents.

The centre of Choeung EK featured a stupa, a Buddhist/Hindu-style memorial that housed 9,000 plus skulls from those who died there. This overwhelming sight brought one question to my mind, how could this last almost four years? We discussed as a group how following the holocaust, the UN said, “never again”. This response was also given following the Rwandan genocide and the Khmer genocide, and even today, we face genocide in Syria and Myanmar, which effectively is ignored. This created a strong sense of responsibility within me, which answers Mr Murphy’s question of how this immersion has impacted the man I am becoming, it makes me recognise that ‘out of sight’ is not ‘out of mind’.

These confronting experiences created a more conscious awareness of our deeper responsibility to the other, which we must use as part of a collective global perspective with which to dictate our actions, rather than just a local view.

Day 12

[ BENJAMIN WENCKOWSKI ]Today proved to be the most emotionally challenging day of our immersion, as it consisted of a visit to Tuol Sleng, the former school that became S-21 (the primary prison and interrogation centre of the Khmer Rouge regime), and Choeung EK, one the 300 plus Killing Fields where prisoners were executed.

Since the defeat of the Khmer Rouge, S-21 has been turned into a museum and memorial for those who suffered there. These people were innocent civilians who were arrested and tortured until they gave forced confessions of their and others’ involvement in working against the Khmer Rouge. Our encounter there consisted of an audio tour that guided us through the eerie buildings that once housed hundreds of innocent prisoners at a time. This tour presented us with photos, paintings, objects and stories from S-21, bringing several of us to tears and lighting a burning anger within us all, making us question how one human could commit these atrocities to another.

Two stories from the audio tour particularly challenged me. The first described how barbed wire was erected to block the balconies of the cell blocks, as prisoners opted to commit suicide instead of facing further torture. One prisoner stabbed a pen through his own neck, whilst another smashed a gasoline lamp over himself - both to escape the horrors they were facing. The fact that an undignified and painful death was preferable to life is heart-breaking, and puts into perspective how unbearable the regime made life for innocent people. The other story was that of Bophana, a woman who secretly wrote love letters to her husband, forbidden under the Khmer Rouge.

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Exploring the riverside promenade in Phnom Penh Killing Fields

A grave site at the Killing FieldsTuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Living Hope Phnom

Penh

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From the moment we entered the museum space today we were introduced to the nightmare of genocide. S-21 (Security 21) formerly a high school, was once a place of laughter and hope. However, under the Khmer Rouge it had become a place of lies, torture and unbearable pain. The Khmer Rouge, a most repressive and brutal regime were responsible for one of the worst genocides of the 20th Century. In 1975 the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot began a vicious four-year rule in Cambodia. Listening to their layers of evil while at the museum was extremely confronting and heartbreaking. Systematically the regime orchestrated the dehumanisation of Cambodian people.

Suffering and brutal death was a daily occurrence. Some were tortured three times a day. Barbed wire kept prisoners in and others out. Interrogation was frequent until prisoners lost consciousness. The terrible stench of death permeated this place years after the atrocities had ceased.

The jail cells, torture apparatus, human skulls and fourteen grave sites at the museum provide a blatant reminder of years of hell in Cambodia. This museum presents the world a window into the pure evil of a horrific Cambodian past. Tears rolled down my face as I listened to the audio stories of survivors, stories that were most vivid and utterly raw. Their plight shed light on the extent of the brutality. A brutality that was about smashing an “enemy” and breaking their spirit. A brutality I cannot ever truly fathom. For the Khmer Rouge human life was expendable, hate was the norm.

While at the museum many local school groups were visiting. I couldn’t help but wonder what their impression was of this savage history. And how many of them are descendants of one of the only twelve confirmed survivors.

Millions of people living in Cambodia were killed during the brutal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Their bodies were buried in mass graves that became known as the “Killing Fields”. Many prisoners from Tuol Sleng were taken to Choeung EK (Killing Fields), a site 15km south of Phnom Penh. The Genocide Centre at Choeung EK illustrates the dark and gloomy detention and horrific hell that was the Killing Fields. I imagine that many felt in their hearts that this was their end once they had arrived at Choeung EK.

To think the Killing Fields were once an orchard farm. Where the soil once gave life to trees and fruit. Today the land is a stark remainder of Cambodian history where life simply had no meaning.

Today’s overwhelming encounter with a regime that espoused pure hate and inflicted unthinkable evil was more challenging than when I first experienced it all those years ago. Perhaps with time, and through my faith formation and the myriad of lived experiences in-between, life has taught me the profoundness of our collective responsibility to justice and charity for the other.

I have written in previous posts that today’s Catholic Social Teaching is fundamentally about the preservation of life through our global solidarity

and stewardship of all creation. The international community will only prevent the killing fields of the future by heeding the lessons from past tragedies. The danger of indifference and cultivating a culture of impunity is real and happening in today’s world. Think of places like Rwanda, Darfur, Syria and closer to home, the plight of Rohingya refugees in Myanmar.

There must be no sanctuary for hate, no refuge for bigotry, no violence against women, no torture of children and no base for the enemies of humankind. If the Cambodia genocide teaches us anything it surely must be our collective responsibility to the inherent dignity of each human.

Tonight, I will prayer for the memory and truth of those who had their lives and futures taken:

Holy Spirit, you came to us in every language of every culture and every nation.

Pour out your power upon our divisions.

Make us remember that every tongue is a reflection of your creation.

You converted our babble of sounds into speech.

You made our differences become our hope.

But we have run away from each other,

And have created enclaves of race, colour, and creed.

Bring us back to a place where we can hear you, see you, and feel your presence in every human being.

And we pray for peace among us.

Amen.

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“THERE IS A SACREDNESS

IN TEARS. THEY ARE NOT A MARK OF WEAKNESS, BUT OF POWER. THEY SPEAK MORE ELOQUENTLY

THAN TEN THOUSAND TONGUES. THEY ARE THE MESSENGERS

OF OVERWHELMING GRIEF, OF DEEP CONTRITION AND OF

UNSPEAKABLE LOVE.

”[WASHINGTON IRVING]

On the back of an extremely long drive from Pailin we arrived in Phnom Penh yesterday, a city I visited some 25 years ago. Much has changed to this lively Cambodian city over that time. We spent much of the day exploring the centre, discovering the local markets and impressive river promenade.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, is the country’s largest with a population of over 1.6 million people. Phnom Penh earned the nickname the “Paris of the East”, due to the French influence in the city architecture. Phnom Penh is also the location of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former location of the now infamous Khmer Rouge prison S-21.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Gifts from Phnom PenhJournal writing

Saying goodbye to the children at the school Photos: Gerard and Michelle with children from the Salla La Valla School and pilgrims enjoying a swim with local children

“ We are all called to apply the teachings and new-found knowledge to our lives back home, on our quest to provide living hope and be more for the other. ”

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Living Hope Phnom Penh

Day 13 [ JULIAN PEGORARO ]Today began with a much-loved early start (insert sarcasm!). It wasn’t without good reason though, because we would be spending the day at Salla La Valla, a school run by the Marist Brothers, that solely cares for disabled Cambodian children. As soon as the pilgrims walked into the school we were immediately consumed by the kids. It was an amazing experience to see young children, who are missing limbs and have other disabilities, be ecstatic to be in our presence. It really showed the appreciation that the kids have for the fact that they are simply alive, and they are deeply loved. After they gave us a tour of the school grounds and surrounding farmland, we all gathered and listened to some stories of how they became disabled.

We heard from a boy of 17, who severely damaged his arm in a clay mixer, similarly another boy (16 years old) lost his arm during a clay mixer accident. Then there were two girls, one was 15 who lost her leg in a water pump incident. And then most shocking of all a 14-year-old girl who lost both her arm and leg whilst crossing the road one day. These stories where all hard to take in, especially since the victims were sitting right in front of us. Accounts like these highlighted to me to the fact of how much we under appreciate access to quality health care and how much we take for granted daily.

In the evening, the pilgrims experienced a dinner like no other. ‘Dine in the dark’ is a restaurant encounter that allows diners to share a meal through the ‘eyes’ of a vision impaired person. We all ate our meals in a pitch-black room. This experience was so unique as it really allowed everyone to utilise our other senses. For me personally I was quite lost at times without the benefit of sight. I didn’t know where to put my hands, I didn’t know how I was going to eat my food and I didn’t know what I was going to taste. The meal passed, and it was delicious. Since we were all blind, it allowed us to consume a meal without pre-judging it because of its looks and fully understand the daily challenge for people who have lost the ability to see.

The irony in this is that, this ideal of not judging correlates with our experience today in Salla La Valla, as the joyful and generous nature of the kids should not be overshadowed by their disabilities. These beautiful Cambodian children are a way in which we can experience God. Too me, they are miracle children and are blessed with real abilities, including boundless hearts. It is just a shame that many other views are clouded and can’t see past their disabilities.

These past fourteen days have been an experience I will not forget. The people I have meet, and the people I have grown to know are ones that will remain with me for a long time. This immersion has taught me to give more of myself and to be more open minded to new possibilities. I am now enlightened to both this place’s past and present social and cultural history. And I feel that these experiences will help me learn to become a better individual. Cambodia, thank you.

The children of the Salla La Valla School Ben supporting the children in classCleaning the students accommodation building

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Living Hope Phnom Penh

“ALMOST NOTHING NEED BE SAID WHEN YOU HAVE EYES.

”[TARJEI VESAAS]

What makes a photograph powerful lies completely in the eyes of the beholder. It is subjective, not objective. It is deeply personal, based almost entirely on the experience of the viewer. Often capturing a fleeting moment in time.

The stillness of a photograph allows our minds to move freely around its definition without interference from others telling us what we are looking at or how we are supposed to feel. There is a story behind every picture that sometimes does not require a spoken word.

“Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen, and thinking what nobody has thought.” ~ Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Pictures have a way of resonating with us – a way of allowing us to remember encounters of wonder and awe through the eternal depository of our memory.

On my penultimate evening in Cambodia I share with you my lens of this immersion experience, forever etched deep in my heart. These are some of my favourite images from the past two weeks and they will always help me connect to my profound encounter with the Marcellin pilgrims and with the people and place of Cambodia.

These images can be viewed via my Tumblr blog Permission Is Triumph http://diprato.tumblr.com/post/168535983682/almost-nothing-need-be-said- when-you-have

Salla La Valla children excited for our visit Singing the Power of Your Love

Adrian, James and Ben with children from the Salla La Valla School

Our final day in Phnom Penh

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Living Hope Phnom Penh

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Final Reflection [ GERARD MCCONVILLE ] on behalf of the entire Marcellin pilgrimsDay 14, our final day in Cambodia, to keep in tradition we started off with an early wake up and a simple yet satisfying breakfast at The Alibi Guest House. From here we visited Tabitha, a social enterprise organization which seeks to help provide shelter, food and education for the poorest of the poor women throughout Cambodia. Here we learnt about the incredible work that they have done since their founding. From changing a Cambodian perception of ‘I am bad’ to ‘I am worthy’, Tabitha have built over 75 schools, built over 10,000 houses and provided over 20,000 water sources through their investments. The enterprise aspires to empower Cambodia women to then transform their communities. The presentation we saw at Tabitha really provided me with faith and hope, that even though a country which has seen such terrible atrocities and is still experiencing great injustice and mistrust, there are still people dedicating their lives to helping others escape the poverty cycle and get on their feet.

Whilst the afternoon was spent doing some final market runs and having lunch, we also took some time to pause and affirm our other pilgrims, specifically our Prayer Buddies whom we received at the start of the trip. We presented a gift to each other and a heartfelt message, these seemingly small gestures deeply touched all of us and it was a beautiful way to commemorate our time together. It was quite difficult to affirm the other, as there was simply so much that each one of us could say about each other and saying all of it in one sentence was tough. However, each pilgrim beautifully affirmed their prayer buddy. Over this trip we have built incredible bonds, student to student, teacher to teacher, however also teacher to student and student to teacher. Some of us came on this immersion as good friends some of us merely as acquaintances, but finishing this trip we are all so close having had this incredible opportunity to fully appreciate the other outside the confines of our Bulleen campus.

Our pilgrimage to Cambodia has been an incredible journey and experience, whether that be seeing the breathtaking temples such as Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, being deeply moved by the generosity shown by Brother Francis at the Marist Pastoral Centre in Pailin or being intoxicated by the happiness on each child’s face whom we encountered, whether that be in Pailin or Phnom Penh at the Salla La Valla School. So many indescribable experiences over the course of two weeks and going home now is somewhat bitter sweet. Whilst it will be great to be back home and see friends and family, every individual has connected with something, or someone in Cambodia and leaving that behind will be challenging.

Indeed, special thanks are in order, firstly a thank you to the wonderful teachers who travelled across Cambodia with us boys. I’m sure more often than once you were quite fed up with us but always you were supportive, friendly and caring, for this we cannot extend enough gratitude. Secondly, to the parents and followers of the blog, it has truly been a highlight of our trip to wake up and read your comments whilst eating breakfast, through your support we were able to continue through our pilgrimage knowing you were there with us every step of the way. We thank you so much for your involvement and encouragement throughout our journey.

There is a lot of pressure and questions surrounding this last blog. Will the immersion be summarised well? Will the most important moments be captured in detail which allows people to relive them? Will everything be included? And the general answer is, no, not everything will be covered in this last blog. There is simply too much to cover, and everyone has their own individual encounters that are dear and unique to them. Each pilgrim needs time to fully process the solidarity immersion. So, with this we say goodbye to the beauty of Cambodia and its people. We have all changed for the better.

Although the sun is setting on our time in Cambodia, it is only the beginning for the next step of our journey. We are all called to apply the teachings and new-found knowledge to our lives back home, on our quest to provide living hope and be more for the other.

Merry Christmas Cambodia, Ben at the Tabitha CentreTabitha Centre empowering local women

Our final reflection and affirmation session and selfie time on the bus to the Phnom Penh International Airport

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James Barbuto

Nicholas Hughes

Ronan Long

Gerard McConville

Lewis Michelangeli

Adrian Mikus

Conor Nolan

Julian Pegoraro

Benjamin Wells

Benjamin Wenckowski

Michelle Abrahmsen

Adriano Di Prato

Damien Gidley

Alexandra Rice

160 Bulleen Road Bulleen VIC 3105 Australia T +61 3 9851 1589 W marcellin.vic.edu.au

MARCELLIN COLLEGE A leading catholic boys college conducted by the marist brothers since 1950

“35 FOR I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU

GAVE ME SOMETHING TO EAT,

I WAS THIRSTY AND YOU GAVE

ME SOMETHING TO DRINK,

I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU

INVITED ME IN, 36 I NEEDED

CLOTHES AND YOU CLOTHED ME,

I WAS SICK AND YOU LOOKED

AFTER ME, I WAS IN PRISON AND

YOU CAME TO VISIT ME.

”[Matthew 25:35-36]