Vicariate Apostolic of Savannakhet

Infobox Diocese
country = Laos
name = Savannakhet
jurisdiction = Apostolic Vicariate
latin = Apostolicus Vicariatus Savannakhetensis
local =
bishop = Antonysamy Susairaj, M.E.P.
bishop_title = Apostolic Vicar
cathedral =
rite = Latin
area = 48,100
population = 2.7 million
population_as_of =
catholics = 12,500
catholics_percent =

Vicariate Apostolic of Savannakhet (Latin: "Apostolicus Vicariatus Savannakhetensis") is a subdivision of the
Roman Catholic Church in Laos. Covering an area of 48,100 km² of central Laos, the Vicariate is the largest of the apostolic vicariates in Laos. 12,500 of 2.7 million citizen in the area are member of the catholic church.

The vicariate covers the provinces of Savannakhet, Khammouan and Bolikhamxai. It is subdivided into 54 parishes. It has only 6 priests.

History

The Prefecture Apostolic of Thakhek was established on December 21 1950, when the Vicariate Apostolic of Laos was split into two parts. The western part in Thailand became the Vicariate Apostolic of Thare, while the Laotian part became a new prefecture. On February 24 1958 it was elevated to an Vicariat Apostolic. In 1963 the name was changed to Savannakhet, even though its center stayed at Thakhek, Khammouan province. 1967 the southern part of the vicariate became the Vicariate Apostolic of Paksé.

Ordinaries

* Jean Sommeng Vorachak, since April 21 1997
* Jean-Baptiste Outhay Thepmany, July 10 1975 - April 21 1997
* Pierre-Antonio-Jean Bach, M.E.P., June 28 1971 - July 10 1975
* Jean-Rosière-Eugène Arnaud, M.E.P., July 17 1950 - October 10 1969

External links

* [http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsvnn.html Catholic hierarchy]