On March 20, 2026, the Adoratrices Sisters (Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity) reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of their new permanent home in Phnom Penh. The blessing ceremony was led by Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, and Coadjutor Bishop Pierre Suon Hangly, joined by local authorities and international guests. This new facility represents the culmination of a vision that began when the Sisters first arrived in Cambodia in 2002.
Since 2007, the Sisters have operated the “Renacer: Walk with Women” program, initially in Siem Reap and later in rented spaces in Phnom Penh. Their mission focuses on providing sanctuary for survivors of violence, abandoned pregnant women, and those seeking to exit the sex trade. Bishop Pierre Suon Hangly emphasized that the home is a vital foundation for helping marginalized women and children rediscover their self-worth and reintegrate into society. The center will provide essential services, including psychological counseling and education.
Sr. Pilar Casas Navarro, Superior General of the Adoratrices, highlighted the intentional design of the residence, which features glass walls to symbolize openness and the “rebirth” (Renacer) of the residents’ hearts. She affirmed that the Sisters are driven by a mission to love and serve rather than just manage a project. This permanent home is described as a “dream come true,” offering a familial environment where the vulnerable can finally reclaim their dignity and find hope for a new life.
