BUICHU, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of. - On 5 Sept. 1848 the apostolic vicariate of Central Tonkin, called that of B. in 1924, was detached from the apostolic vicariate of Eastern Tonkin (v. HAIPHONG) and entrusted to the Dominican regular province of the Philippines. In 1936 the province of Thaibinh (v.) was separated from it for the creation of the vicariate of the same name.
Area of the territory: 1,273 sq. km.; total population (approximate count, 1946): 875,000 inhabitants, for the most part Annamites. Catholics 181,324, catechumens 504, Protestants 70, pagans 693,676. The 11 districts, with 7 principal and 420 secondary stations (314 churches and 183 chapels), are entrusted to 155 secular Annamite priests, 12 Dominicans, together with 34 laymen and 4 Brothers of the Christian Schools; 429 sisters, of whom 421 are Annamite, as well as 270 catechists. Elementary schools 388 (1,351 pupils), one secondary school (300 pupils), one for catechists (45 pupils). Other institutions: preparatory school, minor and regional seminary, Dominican novitiate, hospital with dispensary, home for the aged, 38 orphanages (156 orphans). The vicariate press publishes the periodical Damini-ban-nguyet (2,500 copies).
Evangelization is progressing slowly, owing to the scarcity of missionary personnel. To the famine, which has also decimated the Catholics, the Communist threat is now added.