Laos Marian Advocations
Laos has about 51,000-60,000 Catholics, about 1% of the population. The first missionary, Father Fiot of the Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP), arrived in 1879 in the village of Naham. The Church was officially founded on December 8, 1885. The country suffered a severe communist persecution under the Lao Pathet (1954-1970), with 17 martyrs beatified in 2016. Today the Church has four Apostolic Vicariates: Vientian, Thakhek, Pakse and Luang Prabang.
♪ Wonders and Marian anecdotes from Laos
- The 17 Martyrs of Laos - Between 1954 and 1970, 17 Catholics (1 Laosian priest, 5 MEP missionaries, 6 IMO Oblates and 5 laity) were killed by the Lao Pathet for hatred of the faith. They were beatified on December 11, 2016 in Vientian Cathedral.
- El P. Mario Borzaga - 27-year-old Italian Oblate Missionary, killed in 1960 with Laosian catechist Pablo Thoj Xyooj. Especially loved by the young.
- The Church of the Catacombs - After the communist triumph in 1975, all foreign missionaries were expelled and the churches closed. The Laosian Catholics kept their faith secret for decades, without priests or sacraments.
- The Religious Freedom Act 2019 - In December 2019, Laos passed a law that guarantees religious freedom, allowing Christians to practice their faith without being disturbed after decades of persecution.
- Inculturation of faith - The Church in Laos adapts its rites to local customs, such as the Sou Khwan (Baci) ceremony to ask for blessings and the Bun Jaek to remember the deceased.
Marian devotions
Vicariate of Vientian
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Vientian
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Vientian and the center of Catholic life in Laos. Built during the French colonial era, it is the country's main Catholic temple and reference point for the Christian community.
"Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Rosary of Vientian
The return of the Rosary in the Laosian capital, with a community that prays for the peace and unity of the country. This advocation was brought by the 19th century missionaries and remains the center of Marian piety in Vientian.
"Our Lady of the Rosary of Vientian, pray for us.
Our Lady and the Martyrs of Laos
Advocation that unites the Virgin Mary with the testimony of the 17 beatified Laosian martyrs in 2016. Mary accompanies her persecuted Church and recalls that faith overcomes hatred.
"Our Lady and the Martyrs of Laos, pray for us.
Vicariato de Pakse
Misiones marianas de Pakse
The Vicariate of Pakse has 64 mission stations where families gather to pray the Rosary and celebrate their faith. Many of these chapels are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, under different vocations, and are the heart of Christian life in the south of Laos.
"Virgin Mary, pray for us."
Vicariat of Thakhek
Mekong River Communities
The Catholic communities of the Thakhek Vicariate extend along the Mekong River, on the border with Thailand. The Virgin is invoked as a protector of fishermen and families living on the river.
"Virgin of the Mekong, pray for us."
Vicariato de Luang Prabang
Church matinas de Luang Prabung
En las zonas montañosas del norte de Laos, las pequeñas capillas dedicadas a la Virgen atienden a las minorías étnicas Kmhmu’, Hmong y Lavên. La fe se vive en medio de la pobreza y la distancia, con María como refugio y consuelo.
"Virgin Mary, pray for us."
Links about Laos' claims
Pages already published on our site:
🌹 Enter the Garden of Mary's Rosary and offer your prayer as a rose.
📿 Tour the living Rosary of the Advocations: the mysteries of the Rosary accompanied by every face of Mary.
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