The Loyola School of Theology (L.S.T.) invites you to the online oral defense of the S.T.L. Tesina entitled “BUILDING A SYNODAL MISSIONARY CHURCH IN VIETNAM THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF LISTENING AND COMMUNAL DISCERNMENT” by Fr. TRAN VINH DANH, S.J. on 12 May 2026, Tuesday, 10:00-11:30 a.m. The Board of Examiners is composed of Christina Kheng, Ph.D. (Adviser), Fr. Jerome Vallabaraj, S.D.B., Th.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), and Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, 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 Leadership. It is open to the public.
Abstract: Synodality is a defining characteristic and essential dimension of the Church’s identity and mission. Pope Francis has said that it is what the Lord expects of the Church in the third millennium because it is deeply rooted in the nature of ecclesial communion. Synodality expresses the vocation of the Church as a pilgrim People of God who are “together on the way” in communion, participation, and mission. The Synod on Synodality (2021-2024) underscores the essential roles of listening and communal discernment among the People of God as foundational to the Church’s identity and mission.
The Church in Vietnam likewise heeded the call of Vatican II for aggiornamento, to change and become a missionary synodal Church. The synodal process in Vietnam has been rich and diverse, marked by numerous experiences of joy and enthusiasm. However, the Church in Vietnam also carries within itself certain limitations that make it challenging for the Church to embody the spirit of synodality. These include clericalism, authoritarianism, patriarchal attitudes, a hierarchical culture, state atheism and strict governmental control over religious activities.
From this context, this study asks: How can the Church in Vietnam become truly synodal and missionary through the promotion of listening and communal discernment? The purpose of this thesis is threefold: Theological Objective: to articulate the theological foundations of synodality, rooted in Vatican II and developed in subsequent magisterial teaching and scholarly research. Pastoral Objective: to examine the role of listening and communal discernment as essential practices of a synodal Church, drawing from Ignatian spirituality and other ecclesial traditions; and to examine the contextual challenges and opportunities in the Vietnamese Church. Practical Objective: To propose strategies that can help the Vietnamese Church concretely integrate listening and communal discernment into its life and mission and thus become a more synodal church.
This methodology of this research includes theological analysis of magisterial documents such as Vatican II documents and Synod documents as well as contemporary scholarship on synodality; contextual reflection on the Vietnamese Church based on episcopal letters, synod reports, and pastoral studies; and integration of Ignatian spirituality, particularly its insights on communal discernment, and Conversation in Spirit. The See–Judge–Act framework is used as the overall process of practical theological reflection.
