Thakhek – It is a gift that instills hope for the future: the small Catholic Church in Laos has two new priests who, with their service, will be able to contribute to the pastoral care of the Laotian communities, scattered in small villages in a rugged and mountainous territory. In a celebration marked by dances, songs, hymns, and prayers, in the presence of more than 1,200 Catholic faithful from across the country and neighboring countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, Msgr. Jean-Marie Vianney Prida Inthirath, Apostolic Vicar of Savannakhet, conferred priestly ordination on Father Peter Gnantina Phiakeo and Father Philip Nouy Kamhou, both religious belonging to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, yesterday, April 22, at St. Louis Church in Thakhek . This is an extraordinary event for the local Church in a nation where there are a total of 20 priests and no foreign missionaries, as their presence is not permitted by the government. According to Msgr. Anthony Adoun Hongsaphong, Apostolic Vicar of Vientiane, who was present at the event, “it was a festive and joyful celebration, marked by the presence of many young people, along with more than 40 priests and numerous religious sisters: all wanted to join in praising the Lord and praying for the two new priests, an immense gift that God bestows upon the Laotian Church.”
The solemn Eucharist, which lasted more than two and a half hours, he added, was preceded by a prayer vigil the previous evening, during which all the people of God gathered in Thakhek remained in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. “The large and diverse community of the faithful present participated with vibrant faith and profound spiritual intensity, praising God and placing the future of the Church in Laos in His hands,” Msgr. Anthony Adoun Hongsaphong noted.
Speaking to Fides, Msgr. Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Cambodia, and current president of the Laotian-Cambodian Episcopal Conference , expressed his closeness and joy: “The Laotian community, despite the existing limitations and difficulties, moves forward with faith, hope, and charity. It is not discouraged. Laos is a beautiful country, both in its natural beauty and because of the character of its people, who are always so kind and welcoming. We are happy that the Lord continues to provide laborers for his harvest in a community that needs priests for the pastoral care of the faithful. The Lord works wonders in a wonderful place. The small Laotian Catholic Church looks ahead with hope, trusting in God’s Providence, and the gift of two new priests is very important for instilling joy and confidence in the future. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Laos, accompanying them in prayer, and walking with them along the path the Lord shows us, confident that he will guide us and give us the light and strength of his Spirit.”
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