Vietnamese Prelate Reports 30,000 New Catholics

On Sunday, Bishop Michael Hoang Duc Oanh also reported to AsiaNews that 20,000 more of the Central Highlands people, called Montagnards, are currently preparing to enter the Church.

"It is the work of the Holy Spirit," he said, "with the sincere participation and contribution of so many people."

This year, the country is celebrating the 350th anniversary since the arrival of Catholic missionaries. The Redemptorist priests are also celebrating this year, the 40th year of their mission in this highland region of the country.

Vietnam has some 6 million Catholics, comprising 8% of the total population.