The Loyola School of Theology (L.S.T.) invites you to the oral defense of the S.T.L. Tesina entitled “TODAY’S CHALLENGE FOR PARISH PRIESTS IN VIETNAM: Following the Humility of Jesus” by Fr. LE HUNG SON (Diocese of Nha Trang) on 14 November 2025, Friday, 10:30 a.m. at the Tipanan ni San Ignacio, DLC 201, 2/F Dela Costa Bldg., L.S.T. The Board of Examiners is composed of Carmen Lourdes Valdes, Ph.D. (Adviser), Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, S.J., S.T.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), and Fr. Selva Rathinam, S.J., S.T.D. The defense is being held in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Licentiate in Sacred Theology concentrating in the field of Spirituality and Pastoral Psychology. It is open to the public.
Abstract: Humility is regarded as one of the key virtues in the Christian life, due to the fact that Jesus’ entire life was characterized by humility. It is He Himself who invited those wishing to be His followers to learn from Him, as He stated: “learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). In particular, priests, known as ‘alter Christus’ – another Christ, are urged to become as conformed to Jesus Christ as much as possible. Nonetheless, Vietnamese parish priests today are facing potential risks and challenges to fully embody the humility of Jesus.
This study initially elucidates what authentic Christian humility is through the prism of Jesus Christ. It serves not only as an invitation but also as a serious reminder for parish priests, especially in Vietnam, to reflect on the true humble life of Jesus Christ recorded in the Gospel texts as the model of their lives.
Employing the pastoral cycle approach of theology ‘See – Judge – Act’, this study attempts to point out the prominent signs that Vietnamese parish priests are lacking in humility, identify its major causes, and demonstrate the reasons why they ought to live humbly as well as the benefits it brings. From this point, the appropriate ways are outlined along with some practical recommendations to support and equip them how to emulate a Christlike humility across different relationships: with God, with others (particularly their own Bishop, the Diocesan presbyterium, the parishioners and non-Catholics in the parish entrusted to their care) and with themselves in accordance with the Church’s teachings within the Vietnamese setting.
