Understanding the Baci-Soukhwan Ritual: A Step Toward the Inculturation of the Lao Catholic Church

Date of Award

7-1-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts major in Theological Studies

First Advisor

Fr. Jojo Fung, SJ, PhD

Abstract

This thesis explores one of the most significant expressions of the Lao culture – the Baci-Soukhwan ritual – and its relation with the Christian faith. Accordingly, there are three questions to be answered: (1) What is the Baci-Soukhwan ritual as an anthropological phenomenon? (2) How is the Baci-Soukhwan ritual compatible with the Christian faith? (3) And what are the theological principles for the liturgical inculturation in this ritual? Based on the studies on ritual and past researches on the Lao culture and the Baci-Soukhwan ritual, the thesis presents a general description of the performance and explanation of the meaning of this ritual. Besides, from online interviews with ritual specialists, laypeople, sisters and priests in Lao, the thesis provides a theological understanding on how the Baci-Soukhwan ritual can be discerning and creatively integrated into the Christian rites. Both the compatibility and the incompatibility between the Christian faith and the Baci-soukhwan ritual from a theological perspective are painstakingly explained in this thesis. Therefore, the thesis also proposes some important theological principles for the inculturation of the Lao Catholic Church in practicing the Baci-Soukhwan ritual. Finally, based on the understanding of the Baci-Soukhwan ritual and the present situation of the Lao Catholic Church, the thesis gives several recommendations for the inculturation of this ritual, attending particularly to the social context of Laos and the crucial value of symbols in conveying the Christian faith.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS