On two days, 21 and 22 of March 2019, the 4th year theologians of the Saint Joseph Jesuit Scholasticate (SJJS) of the Society of Jesus in Vietnam, took the oral dogma comprehensive examination before a committee of three examiners who are currently professors of the SJJS.
Examiners were Rv. Fr. Nguyễn Hai Tính, SJ (STD); Rv. Fr. Nguyễn Tiến Dưng, AA (STD) and Rv. Fr. Phạm Quý Trọng (SSL, STD). Besides, Rv. Fr. Nguyễn Thái Sơn, SJ, dean of theological studies, was designated as the time keeper. Especially, it was also pleased for all examinees and audiences because of the presence of Rv. Fr. Hartono Budi, SJ, representative of the Loyola School of Theology, Philippines with which the SJJS has been affiliated recently.
Br. Trương Minh Cao, SJ;
Br. Nguyễn Văn Chí, SJ;
Br. Cao Đức Đạt, O.Carm;
Br. Vương Văn Đỉnh, SJ;
Br. Nguyễn Quốc Hùng, MI;
Br. Hoàng Quốc Huy, MI;
Br. Trương Đình Sáng, SJ;
Br. Trương Hoàng Sơn, SJ.
The eight 4thyear theologians included 5 Jesuit scholastics, 2 Camillians and 2 Carmelites:
Those who took the honors comprehensive examination had to spend a 90-minute examination before a board of three professors and Fr. Budi while other students took a 45-minute ordinary comprehensive examination. They were all required to show their knowledge on overview of the whole STB program. Each examinee was also required to submit a final synthesis and a research paper on dogmatic theology.
The comprehensive exam came to a good ending in the grace of God. The exam was a very exciting event in the examinee-life, as Br. Quốc Huy said: “Come to this challenge, I had diligently reviewed my theological knowledge. Yes, I was so impressed by questions of professors which helped me to realize that there would be very much theological information and knowledge that I should have to explore more.”
The exam was a good experience not only for students but also for professors. Fr. Nguyễn Tiến Dưng, AA, said: “In my point of view, each examination is a game in which one can theologize and expresse what he believes. Hence, his belief has becomed much more abundant and lively.”
May Jesus Christ, our Lord, grant the professors his grace so that they are able to fulfill their mission of teaching; also, keep the examinees in His love in which they can draw the dynamic to serve others.
Giuse Tuân. Vũ Chí Thành, SJ
