In the afternoon of Tuesday 26 May 2026, Cardinal Mario Grech and Sr. Nathalie Becquart XMCJ met the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Laos and #Cambodia (CELAC).
Guided by Mons. Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzales, SJ, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang (Cambodia) and President of CELAC, the six bishops attending the meeting addressed the theme of the synodal process and discussed the implementation process in that part of the word.
Bishop Andrew Souksawath Nouane Asa, Apostolic Vicar of Paksé (Laos) spoke about the synodal process in Laos.
As in many Asian countries, the Church in Laos is a small minority representing only the 0,62% of the population. Since the beginning the local church embraced the call of Pope Francis: “even though we ourselves were not entirely sure what it would entail”, stated bishop Soukawath.
Click on the link to read the full Synodal Journey of the Faithful in Cambodia:
Further they shared how the Covid-19 pandemic had influenced the process of collecting testimonies, compiling reports. Besides this was the first “synodal process” ever implemented in Laos on such a scale. “Prior to this experience, we did not really have a tradition of consulting the People of God in such a broad and participatory manner. For us, it was truly something new”, stated the bishop of Paksé.
However, “looking back, it is clear that this experience has proven to be extremely positive for many individuals and groups”, he said. According bishop Souksawath, Catholics have discovered the significance and value of “conversation in the Spirit” and have felt that they are truly part of the life and mission of the Church.
The People of God have had the joy of realizing that their voice matters.
They also spoke about how economic hardship and border conflicts have shaped the synodal process, strengthening collaboration between clergy and laity to support the marginalized, heal communities, and foster interreligious dialogue with Buddhist leaders in Cambodia.
