Scholastic Nguyễn Thành Ân was ordained to the diaconate in the St Mary’s Chapel of St Ignatius Church, Tokyo, on 24 February by Most Reverend Andrea Lembo, PIME, Auxiliary Bishop of Tokyo. There were 26 concelebrants and a large choir of sisters, with two of their songs sung in Vietnamese.

Bishop Lembo especially stressed the mission given in entrusting the deacon with the Book of the Gospels: “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

Newly ordained Deacon Ân entered the Society in Vietnam on 31 May 2013. Before entering the Society, he earned his degree as Engineer in Electronic and Communication Technology from the University of Technical Education in Ho Chi Minh City.

He was missioned to Japan in June 2018. After Japanese language study, he did his Regency in the Catholic Center of Sophia University and has been studying theology since 2022.

His ordination to the priesthood is scheduled for 27 September this year. [Robert Chiesa SJ/Japanese Province]