Religions united to commemorate the genocide of the Khmer Rouge
February 28, 2013: Christians, Buddhists, Cambodian Muslims gathered in past days
in Choeung Ek, the "killing field" of Cambodia, to commemorate and pray for the thousands
of innocent Cambodians executed there, under the regime of Khmer Rouge. The memory
of the victims of the genocide was part of the "Interreligious Harmony Week ", characterized
by prayer vigils, meetings and discussions. At the end of the week, religious leaders
planted some trees in the field of Choeung Ek.
As reported to Fides by the
Jesuits in Cambodia, the celebration was attended by young Christians, Protestants
and Catholics, Muslims, and Buddhist monks, especially from Phnom Penh.
About
50 trees were planted all of a species called "Rumdul" (scientific name: Mitrella
mesnyi), national flower of Cambodia. The Rumdul flower has three petals and is yellowish
in color. It is known for its fragrance, recognizable even at a great distance. "The
good smell of Rumdul accompanies, as well as our prayers, our Cambodian brothers and
sisters who perished in the killing fields of Choeung Ek," said those present.
The
idea of an interreligious week in Cambodia acknowledges the initiative promoted by
the United Nations of the World Week of Interreligious Harmony ".