ROME (Agenzia Fides): Father Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzález sj, the apostolic prefect of Battambang, Cambodia, and president of the Episcopal Conference of Laos and Cambodia (CELAC), described the challenges of communication in Laos.
“In Laos there are great difficulties in communicating with the outside world,” he remarked, adding, “There are language difficulties and then there are the difficulties related to the control of the government apparatus.”
Contacting local bishops and Catholic community representatives is difficult due to their age and health issues, as well as language barriers and government controls. Despite these challenges, Father Alvargonzález noted that the Laotian Catholic community remains joyful and strong in faith.
The apostolic administrator noted that there is a need for facilities, spiritual and biblical formation for nuns, catechists, seminarians, the faithful.
CELAC meets twice a year, once in each country, while maintaining connections throughout the year. In Laos, there are only local priests and no permanent foreign missionaries.
“Contacts between local communities with the outside world are difficult, and even the Churches in neighbouring countries can offer limited and sporadic support. But the Laotian community is not discouraged at all, and truly lives each day to the glory of God,” Father Alvargonzález said.
Bishop Andrew Souksavath Nouane, the youngest and fluent in English, serves as the key contact for communication, emphasizing the Church’s autonomy.
Father Alvargonzález highlighted the establishment of Caritas Laos as a positive sign which connects local volunteers to Caritas Internationalis.
“From my own experience, I can say that there is great hope for the Church in Laos. There is life. There are many young people, and there is a blossoming of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, which are more numerous than in Cambodia,” he went on to say.
With 51,000 faithful, Laos has more Catholics than Cambodia, benefiting from priests who studied in the Philippines and can aid their communities.
