Front row (L to R): Rev. Vincent Nguyễn Văn Công, S.J, Rev. Joseph Vương Văn Đỉnh, S.J, Rev. Joseph Trương Đình Sáng, S.J, Rev. Paul Trương Minh Cao, S.J, Rev. Paul Nguyễn Văn Chí, S.J, Rev. Peter Nguyễn Bá Tinh, S.J, Rev. Joseph Mary Trương Hoàng Sơn, S.J.
Back row (L to R): Fr. Joseph Phạm Tuấn Nghĩa, SJ, Rector of SJJS, Fr. Andrew Phạm Văn Tú, Provincial Socius, Most Rev. Louis Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Fr. Vincent Phạm Văn Mầm, SJ, Provincial of the Vietnam Province, Fr. Francis Xavier Nguyễn Hai Tính, SJ, Formation Delegate.
March 02, 2019 – 7 Jesuits of the Vietnam Province have just been ordained as deacons this morning by Most Rev. Luis Nguyen Anh Tuan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sai Gon, at the Oratory of the Saint Joseph Jesuit Scholasticate (SJJS) in Thu Duc, HCM city, Vietnam. In the stages of Jesuit formation, ordination to the diaconate is the final step in preparation for priestly ordination in the Society of Jesus. These newly ordained have just completed the basic theological formation at the SJJS.
The newly ordained deacons are:
- Rev. Paul Trương Minh Cao, S.J.
- Rev. Paul Nguyễn Văn Chí, S.J.
- Rev. Vincent Nguyễn Văn Công, S.J.
- Rev. Joseph Vương Văn Đỉnh, S.J.
- Rev. Joseph Trương Đình Sáng, S.J.
- Rev. Joseph Mary Trương Hoàng Sơn, S.J.
- Rev. Peter Nguyễn Bá Tinh, S.J.
Bright and Early Saturday morning, relatives and friends of the newly ordained deacons and Jesuits from nearby communities gathered in the JSSJ’s oratory to participate in the ordination. The mass was celebrated in a solemn and yet prayerful atmosphere.
In his homily, by reflecting on the Gospel of Mathew 20: 25-28, Bishop Tuan remarked participants to contemplate and mirror Jesus as a model of love and generosity. He also urged the deacons to imitate Jesus Christ in serving the humanity: "to serve not to be served" and to follow his way of life by living the vows: Chastity, poverty and obedience. The Bishop also called them to live faithfully their Jesuit vocation by relying upon the charism of spiritual discernmentto realize God’s Will and fulfill it. Lastly, he invited the new deacons to be man of God and man for others by internalizing a prayerful life and living a spirit of service.
The newly ordained deacons have responded promptly to their call to service.As Roman Catholic deacons, they are ordained to assist the Bishop and his Presbyterate as ministers of the word, of the altar, and of charity. They proclaim the Gospel, preach and teach in the name of the church. From now, as ministers of sacraments, they are authorized to baptize, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services.
May the Lord bless our newly ordained deacons and grant them his grace in order that they live faithfully within their Jesuit vocation.
Joseph Trần Ngọc Huynh, S.J.
More photos: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipONuupPUiFAgX9YbXJrfqmBBoHSowNJ-iVYsnF3LL8yO34bpGg61gEVuXM4yqwFPQ?key=aHZrRkFuWkZESGVaTzc1MjRwVERrY2l0QTNJSEh3 
