Where We Serve
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 6.8 million. It shares borders with Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west.
Lao is a culturally diverse Southeast Asian nation, blessed with abundant natural resources and shaped by the heritage of Lao-Tai, Mon-Khmer, Hmong-Lu Mien, and Chine-Tibetan ethnolinguistic groups. Its capital, Vientiane — gracefully nestled along the Mekong River since 1563 — reflects a harmonious blend of Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Laos is a one-party state under the governance of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Vientiane, the capital of Laos since 1563, rests gracefully along the banks of the Mekong River and is home to approximately 948,000 residents (2020). Locally pronounced Wieng Chan, its name evokes poetic meanings — “City of Sandalwood” or “City of the Moon.”
As one of the classic cities of Indochina, Vientiane embodies a distinctive blend of Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American, and Soviet influences. Today, it serves as the administrative heart of the nation, hosting government agencies, international organizations, and a growing presence of Asian and global business offices
The Catholic Church in Laos
• 50,000 Catholics (1.4% of population)
• Present in 4 Apostolic Vicariates:
Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet-Khammouane, Pakse
• 103 parishes nationwide
• The Catholic hierarchy includes one Cardinal and three Bishops across the four Vicariates. Bishop John Marie Vianney Prida Inthirat, is the president of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Laos
Apostolic Vicariate of Vientiane
• 13,784 Catholics
• 40 Catholic villages (28 with churches)
• Supported by several religious congregations serving in pastoral, educational, and social ministries
Daughters of Charity: Our Journey
Established on 21 June 1999, the mission of the Daughters of Charity in Laos began with the arrival of three Filipina Sisters, invited by Msgr. Jean-Kamse Vithavong, OMI, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Vientiane. Their first apostolic commitments included:
• Pastoral services for the Filipino community in Laos
• Ministry to the elderly
• Formation of Catholic youth
• Capacity-building programs for women and couples
Current Community
Today, the community is composed of four Sisters: two Filipina, one Vietnamese, and one Thai. Additionally, one Filipina Sister, while part of the Nakhon Phanom Community, serves in the Savannakhet-Khammouane Apostolic Vicariate.
What we Do
In Vientiane
• Family Development (women & couples)
• Children & Youth Development
• Elderly & Sick Support
• Safe Migration Assistance
In Thakhek
• Finance & Administration for Caritas Laos & Diocesan Caritas
• English & Values Formation at John Marie Vianney Major Seminary
Our Mission
We commit ourselves in a spirit of synodality — Communion, Participation, and Mission — as we continue to build a joyful and life-giving community. With audacity and trust in God’s providence, we respond to the call of the Church and the cries of those who are poor.
Inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, we stand beside communities to uplift lives with dignity and hope, bearing witness to Christ’s compassionate love.
