A Catholic diocese in northern Vietnam reinforced its commitment to faith-centered priestly formation during a year-end gathering of pre-seminarians from its three regions on Feb. 12 at the diocesan pastoral center.
The Diocese of Thai Binh convened candidates preparing for the seminary in a program that combined episcopal guidance, liturgical celebration, and community activities, underscoring expectations of discipline and spiritual maturity in vocational discernment.
Bishop Dominic Dang Van Cau met the pre-seminarians and outlined the diocese’s ongoing plans for vocational formation.
He emphasized the responsibility of the local Church in accompanying and shaping future clergy and reminded participants of their obligations during the Tet holiday, including attending daily Mass, serving as examples within their families, and practicing moderation in social gatherings.
Representatives of the pre-seminarians later conveyed Lunar New Year greetings to the bishop, the rector of the major seminary, and the priests assigned to oversee their formation across the three regions.
The gathering’s central moment was the celebration of Mass presided over by Fr. Joseph Mai Van Dien, rector of the major seminary, with accompanying priests concelebrating.
In his homily, the rector stressed faith as the foundation of Christian life and the source of other virtues, urging candidates to ground their vocational discernment in faith rather than material considerations, emotions, or instinct.
He also warned against behaviors that could undermine their chosen path, including inappropriate emotional relationships and excessive social drinking.
The program concluded with a communal meal and afternoon sports activities, including friendly football matches involving participants from the three regions, reinforcing unity among candidates discerning the priesthood.
