ASIA/LAOS - A new Laotian priest: signs of hope for the Church

Savannakhet (Agenzia Fides) – Each new priest implies an immense gift to the Catholics of Laos, This is what Apostolic Delegate to Laos, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, said in addressing the faithful at the priestly ordination of Fr. Matthieu Somdet Kaluan, which took place several days ago in the Apostolic Vicariate of Savannakhet.
In the celebration, which was celebrated by the local Apostolic Vicar, Bishop Jean Sommeng Vorachak, there were over 2,000 faithful present, along with several Buddhist monks who came to share in this great joy for the local Catholic Church.
The new priest is originally from Laos, from the Province of Savannakhet, and received his formation both in Laos and in other countries. The Catholic community is rejoicing for this new servant of the Gospel that “will take the Good News to those who have not heard it,” said Bishop Vorachak.
The ordination shows the progressive rebirth of the Church in Laos. In the last three years, there have been several priestly ordinations (see Fides 10/1/2008), a sign of the government's openness to the presence of the Catholic faith in the country.
The ecclesial personnel in Laos is not yet sufficient for carrying out regular pastoral activities on a constant basis and each priest in the country must attend several parishes, In the Vicariate of Savannakhet, there are currently 9 priests for 13,000 Catholics, most of whom are scattered throughout rural villages. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/1/2009)