Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on January 9, 2010, appointed as Vicar Apostolic of Savannakhet (Laos), Fr. Jean Marie Vianney Prida Inthirath, parish priest and Rector of the Major Seminary of Savannakhet, assigning him the titular see of Lemfocta.
Father Jean Marie Prida Inthirath, was born on February 19, 1957, in the village Muang phine, Khammouan province, in the Apostolic Vicariate of Savannakhet (Laos). He studied Philosophy and Theology in Thakhek. He was ordained April 20, 1986 for the Apostolic Vicariate of Savannakhet. After ordination he held the following positions: 1986-2004: involved in pastoral care in the village communities of Phon Pheng, Natakét, Na nockèo, Donndône, Ponkiou, Dongmakba, Khôksang; 2004-2009: Rector of the Major Seminary of Thakhek and parish pastor in Khôksang and Keng Kasi.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Savannakhet was erected in 1963. It covers an area of 48,100 sq.km. and has a population of 3,680,000 inhabitants, including 15,000 Catholics, 54 parishes, 10 diocesan priests, 5 seminarians, and 55 religious sisters. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 9/1/2010)
