Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam
The Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam (Latin: Vicariatus Apostolicus Bruneiensis) is a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction covering the territory of Brunei and headed by an apostolic vicar, currently by Cornelius Sim.
Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Apostolicus Vicariatus Bruneiensis Kerasulan Vicariate Brunei | |
|---|---|
 The Vicariate Logo | |
| Location | |
| Country |  |
| Ecclesiastical province | Brunei Darussalam |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 5,800 km2 (2,200 sq mi) |
| Population - Total - Catholics | (as of 2010) 398,000 18,773 (4.7%) |
| Parishes | 3 |
| Information | |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Sui iuris church | Latin Church |
| Rite | Roman Rite |
| Established | 21 November 1997 (As Prefecture Apostolic of Brunei) 20 October 2004 (As Vicariate Apostolic of Brunei) |
| Cathedral | Our Lady of the Assumption |
| Current leadership | |
| Pope | Francis |
| Episcopal Vicars | Cornelius Sim |
| Website | |
| Website of the Apostolic Vicariate | |
History
The earliest mission to Brunei was conducted by Franciscan priests in 1587[1] but the earliest Catholic community in the country finds its roots in the ministry of the Missionary Society of St. Joseph (Mill Hill Missionaries). The origins of the Roman Catholic population of Brunei is traced to the influence of the Spanish missionaries coming mainly from neighbouring Philippines, who also converted the Kadazans in Sabah. Throughout the years, the local Church was administered by various ecclesiastical jurisdictions centred in Labuan, Jesselton, Kuching and Miri, cities in neighbouring Malaysia.
The earliest record on the vicariate territory was noted on 1927 when Brunei included in Apostolic Prefecture of Northern Borneo.[2] Until 1936, when a church was established in Kuala Belait, The Vicariate primarily was an outstation of Our Blessed Sacrament Parish in Labuan.[3] On 14 February 1952, the vicariate territory carved out form Apostolic Vicariate of Jesselton then transferred to Apostolic Vicariate of Kuching.[4] The separation of Bruneian territory formerly under the Diocese of Miri-Brunei (now simply known as the Diocese of Miri) created a distinct Bruneian Church. This separated territory was designated as an apostolic prefecture in November 1997, to be headed by then Msgr. Cornelius Sim (who was the Vicar General of Miri-Brunei, and a Bruneian priest) as its first apostolic prefect. On 22 February 1998, the Apostolic Prefecture of Brunei Darussalam came into being with the proclamation of the papal bull to the faithful and the installation of the apostolic prefect. On 20 October 2004, less than seven years after it was formed, the apostolic prefecture was elevated to an apostolic vicariate. Msgr. Sim was appointed the first apostolic vicar, carrying the dignity of a titular bishop: his episcopal ordination took place in January 2005.
Parishes
It is estimated that there are around 21,000 Roman Catholics in Brunei.[5] The majority are expatriate Filipinos; others are Chinese, South Asian or indigenous people.
The Vicariate consists of 3 parishes, all located in major towns. The parishes are:
- Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Seria in Seria
- St. John's Church in Kuala Belait
There are four diocesan priests, which includes the bishop, himself a parish priest.
Education
There are 3 schools under the ownership and management of the vicariate, all providing elementary and high school education. All the schools are coeducational.
- St. George's School in Bandar Seri Begawan
- St. John's School in Kuala Belait
- St. Angela's Convent School
The schools are not subsidised or aided by the government, and thus run on a full fee-paying basis. These schools were initially subsidised by the government until 1960. On 1960, the government stopped the aid after pressure from Muslim pressure group in Brunei.[6]
As the government does not allow catechism lessons during school hours or within school premises, Sunday (and Friday) school is conducted for this purpose.
References
- Gonsalves, Antonio Anup (3 November 2013). "Despite small size, Church in Brunei has 'lively' faith". CNA. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- Yu, Audrey (23 August 2019). "Catholics celebrate 50th anniversary of Church of Our Lady of Assumption". Today's Catholic. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- Rooney, John (June 1981). A History of the Catholic Church in East Malaysia and Brunei (1880-1976) (Ph.D.). SOAS University of London. p. 45. ProQuest 2176892200. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- Rooney, John (June 1981). A History of the Catholic Church in East Malaysia and Brunei (1880-1976) (Ph.D.). SOAS University of London. p. 60. ProQuest 2176892200. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- "Historic moment for Church in Brunei as first bishop is ordained". AsiaNews. 14 February 2005.
- Rooney, John (June 1981). A History of the Catholic Church in East Malaysia and Brunei (1880-1976) (Ph.D.). SOAS University of London. p. 133. ProQuest 2176892200. Retrieved 5 May 2020.