OTHER RELIGIONS
In Phu Quoc, on 15th of lunar July, people usually go to visit pagodas in Duong Dong town. Besides, many religious activities are held on this occasion.
Phu Quoc is also believed the original home of Caodaism. Today, there is a Caodaism sanctuary in Duong Dong town.
In the past, there were also some praying houses and churches in Phu Quoc. Approximately in 1930, Catholics from the north moved here to work in rubber plantations near Bai Khem. Then, two Malaysian Priests (Alberza and Merdrignac) built a temporary house for praying and celebrating. Working in rubber plantations did not bring in success; the number of people in the mainland started drop down greatly. As a consequence of this, praying houses became deserted.
In 1955, a priest built a church in Duong Dong town. After 1975, residents left; this church similarly turned to an empty place, and today it is run by the government. Recently, Catholics in Duong Dong has increased considerably, which leads to the need of religious practice. Therefore, people normally gather at a certain house to celebrate mass. A priest and two other curates takes turn to help practice religion there.
An Thoi church was established in 1957. During the time, about 1000 Catholics from Nghe An moved to Phu Quoc and settled there. First immigrants included priest Joseph Tran Dinh Lu; since then, many priests and masters sent to Phu Quoc by the bishop in Long Xuyen diocese. At the moment, this diocese is running under the management of priest Giovanni Tran Van Trong together with two vice priests (Hai Dang and Vinh Son Nguyen Van Canh). The current number of Catholics is more than 2000.
