More on Abp. Thuc's Early Years (Continued)
In 1938, when Father Ngo Dinh Thuc turned 41, a major event came into his life. On January 8th of that year, the Holy See officially established a new diocese, the Vinh Long diocese was separated from the Saigon diocese, encompassing the entire provinces of Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, and two districts of Can Tho province. And Ngo Dinh Thuc, the intellectual and dedicated priest from Hue, was chosen to become the first bishop of this fledgling diocese. Along with that, he was also appointed titular bishop of Sina. The news spread to Hue like a strange wind, people were moved, admired, and also secretly worried.
A man from Central Vietnam, educated in Europe and deeply attached to the court and academic life, now left the capital to go to the Southwest region, a vast riverine area. Customs and traditions were different, educational conditions and faith life were still very difficult. But he did not hesitate. He set out with complete faith in the calling God had given him. On May 4, 1938, at Phu Cam Church, where he was born and raised, a solemn ceremony took place, presided over by Apostolic Nuncio Anthony Drapier. In a sacred and solemn atmosphere, Father Ngo Dinh Thuc was consecrated bishop. From that moment, a new chapter began, no longer a preacher or scholar, but a true shepherd, carrying on his shoulders a flock amidst turbulent times. Less than two months later, on June 23, 1938, the new Bishop officially took over the Diocese of Vinh Long. In the presence of clergy and laity, he proclaimed his episcopal motto, Soldier of Christ (Miles Christi). It was not a flowery slogan. It was a survival philosophy, an affirmation of a path of struggle not with swords and spears but with words of communion, charity and love for the Church amidst colonialism, war, and defeat.
Upon arriving in Vinh Long, Bishop Thuc faced countless challenges. The diocese at that time lacked a solid foundation. He purchased a private house to serve as the episcopal headquarters, a place for both living, administration, and receiving guests. Every brick, every row of trees, every window frame was meticulously prepared to reflect the spirit of service and humility. Not long after, on the full moon of August 1944, he inaugurated the Minor Seminary of Thanh Minh. When it opened, the first three classes with 15 seminarians, became the center for priestly training for the entire Mekong Delta region.
At Cuu Long, many young people were nurtured with the ideal of dedication amidst morning prayers and hours of study filled with the light of faith. The reformed order of catechists in Cai Nhum was renamed the Order of the Brothers of Christ the King. The nuns of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Cai Mon and Cai Nhum were sent to study at high schools and universities so that they could return to serve more effectively. Bp. Thuc never accepted stagnation. For him, religious life also needed education, knowledge, and the improvement of character to serve people more deeply. He also organized training courses for Catholic youth, launched the Catholic Action movement, creating a new vitality for social and parish life.
In a time when political waves and other religions were rising strongly, he steadfastly built the Vinh Long diocese into a solid fortress of faith with love, enthusiasm, and foresight. People in the Mekong Delta at that time still passed down stories about the bishop from Hue, with his dark cassock, slender figure, deep eyes, and always open hands. He was not only a leader of the Church but also a father, a teacher, and a friend.
Topic: Autobiography of Archbishop Thuc (Read 82442 times)