The Vietnamese Province celebrated the ordination of 11 Jesuit scholastics to the diaconate on 19 March, the Feast of St Joseph, patron of the Universal Church and the Society of Jesus. They were ordained alongside two other candidates—one from the Alexandre de Rhodes Clerical Society of Apostolic Life (SAR) and another from the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption (AA). The ordination was presided over by Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng of the Archdiocese of Saigon at the St Joseph Jesuit Scholasticate Chapel in Thu Duc City.
The new Jesuit deacons are Peter Phạm Anh Dũng, Anthony Phan Thanh Đồng, Peter Nguyễn Văn Đương, Joseph Mary Đỗ Mạnh Hùng, Joseph Đặng Văn Lộng, John Lê Anh Nghi, Joseph Trần Văn Pháp, Dominic Nguyễn Văn Tấn, Francis Xavier Đoàn Công Trình, Peter Phan Bảo Trung, Vincent Nguyễn Hoàng Vũ.
In his homily, Archbishop Nguyễn Năng offered heartfelt encouragement to the newly ordained deacons, urging them to imitate Saint Joseph in humility, silence, and obedience to God’s will. He reminded them that the diaconate is not a status of privilege, but a mission of service—to proclaim the Word, serve at the altar, and minister to the needs of the People of God. Archbishop Năng emphasised that the mission of a deacon is to become a servant, following the example of Jesus and St Joseph, who are models of humility and quiet dedication. He likened the new journey of the deacons to entering a “highway,” offering three important reminders: 1) to stay steadfast in their vocation, 2) to walk firmly and steadily on the path of mission and service, and 3) to avoid clericalism, always remembering their identities that have been nurtured through consecrated life.
The Mass was celebrated in a simple yet deeply reverent manner, with members of the Jesuit community, fellow religious, and close friends present. In his closing remarks, Archbishop Năng praised the Society of Jesus for its dedication to forming men of deep spiritual and intellectual maturity and commended the community for the beautiful and dignified liturgy. After the Mass, the newly ordained deacons received heartfelt congratulations from fellow Jesuits and friends. The celebration continued with a light breakfast, sharing of stories, and joyful thanksgiving.
