Vicariate Apostolic of Savannakhet

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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.

[edit] 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.