Abstract:

This study analyzes Ignatian Discernment for Mission: The Experience of the Vietnamese Jesuits from 1975 to 2016. The writer explores the meaning of the two terms – Ignatian discernment and mission. He then reflects on the connection between the two as they interrelate in the Vietnamese Jesuits’ response to God’s call in the chosen period. By their lives and decisions, they labored to cooperate effectively with the Trinitarian God to construct God’s Kingdom in the particular context of Vietnam. Living out the Ignatian discernment for mission signifies that a person always chooses to praise, reverence, and serve God by imbibing the spirit of the Spiritual Exercises. Such a spirit or stance is expressed in collaboration with God’s salvific action in the world, spiritual discernment in decision-making, generosity of response to God’s loving call, fraternity and companionship in service, and a great disposition to find God’s will at all times.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Thomas O’Gorman, S.J., S.T.D. (Principal Examiner), Fr. Roger Champoux, S.J., S.T.D., and Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, S.J., S.T.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Tom O’Gorman, S.J., S.T.D. (Adviser), Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, S.J., S.T.D., Fr. Arthur Leger, S.J., Ph.D.