ASIA/LAOS - New local priests welcomed by small Catholic community as a sign of hope

Thakhek (Agenzia Fides) - Catholics in Laos are rejoicing for the ordination of two new local priests. Deacons Pierre Wilaiphorn Phonasa and Lucas Sukpaphorn Duangchansai were ordained priests by Bishop Jean Sommeng Worachak, Vicar Apostolic of Thakhek on December 9 at the compound of the cathedral. All the Ordinaries of the four circumscriptions of Laos and two bishops from neighbouring Thailand were present and about 2,500 faithful as well as civil authorities and representatives of the Buddhist community. The ordination follows that of OMI Fr. Somphone Vilavongsy on 18 June, the first in thirty years in the vicariate of Vientiane, capital of Laos.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand who is Apostolic Delegate in Laos sent a message for the occasion assuring Pope Benedict XVI’s prayers and pastoral concern. At the ordination Mass the Nuncio was represented by Nunciature Counsellor Mgr. Brian Udaigwe,
The following day the new priests celebrated their first Mass in their respective villages, Representatives of the local civil authorities also participated and there was no sign of any restriction for the services. Both men were born in 1977 and studied at Thakhek national major seminary where 14 seminarians are preparing for the priesthood. In this region of Mekong, between Thailand and Cambodia, for some years now the Church has enjoyed relative freedom. Of the four vicariates in Laos, Luang Prabang is the only one where clergy are scarce and the apostolic administrator Bishop Tito Banchong Thopanhom relies on his catechists. Catholics in Laos are only 42,000 in a population of about 5.4 million, 92% Buddhist. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2006 righe 26 parole 260)