MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Spring 2025

Hang Tran, Cambodia

One day, without prompting, Simon prostrated himself before the cross and the statue of Mother Mary.

CHOM CHAO, CAMBODIA—The differently abled youth at the Home of Hope have varying degrees of developmental and/or physical challenges. Most kids require assistance with daily living activities such as eating, bathing, etc. Simon is living with Down syndrome; fortunately he never knew it.

Simon enjoys coloring with crayons or playing with Legos. He has a sense of rhythm and dances expertly to traditional or modern Cambodian music. Other differently abled kids look up to him due to his many talents, and the staff relies on his participation in daily chores like washing dishes or mopping the floor.

Simon kneels in prayer, his heart speaking a language beyond words.

For unknown reasons, Simon has never been potty trained and resists getting rid of his soiled diaper, even when it is ripened! People usually close their noses and step a few yards away when his foul odor is approaching. He runs around to evade bathing. It is a routine struggle for him and the staff.

Also for unknown reasons, before attending Mass or on special occasions, Simon volunteerily takes a bath without any fuss. Afterward, he puts on a fresh diaper and clean clothes, presenting himself with big smiles and higher self esteem. I praise him profusely for good hygiene practices.

One day, after the physical exercise activities, Simon spontaneously prostrated himself in front of the cross on the wall and the statue of Mother Mary. He knelt, joining his hands in prayer and saying words in his own unique language. What caused him to do this at that particular moment, without prompting by anyone?

As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God. Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?

Did Simon experience a thirst for the living God, as described in Psalm 42:2-3? Having been attending Mass periodically, Simon is familiar with these gestures of worship, especially during the Eucharistic consecration. He imitates what he has seen. Of all the things he could have imitated, he lifted his hands, bowed his head, and uttered sounds earnestly to visible symbols of God.

The Stations of the Cross in Lenten season and the Rosary in all liturgical seasons are some of the tried and true ways of praying. Unexpectedly but not surprisingly, Simon opens my eyes to the phenomenal cycles of “soiled and cleanse” and “thirst and quench,” which are necessary for our well-being physically and spiritually. There is something very straightforward, very common sense in Simon’s ways—cleansing before a celebration and calling on God as a child calls on a parent.

Thanks be to God for reassuring children in all ages, Simon, each and everyone of us through Jeremiah 29:12-13:

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

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