In the second half of August 2026, the Ignatian Spirituality Center (CIS Vietnam) had the opportunity to accompany nearly 600 priests from the Archdioceses of Saigon and Hanoi during their ongoing formation programs.
Two local Churches, two different contexts, but one shared concern: How can synodality truly become a way of listening, dialoguing, and discerning together for the mission of the Church?
In the Archdiocese of Saigon, the ongoing formation program took place from August 17–20 at St. Joseph Major Seminary, with the participation of Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng, two auxiliary bishops, and 386 priests.
Fr. Dominic Nguyễn Đức Hạnh, SJ, Director of CIS Vietnam, presented the foundational topic, “Synodality in the Mission of Evangelization.” Building on this foundation, the priests spent the following three days practicing Conversation in the Spirit, listening, discerning, and discussing important matters concerning the Archdiocese.
In the Archdiocese of Hanoi, the ongoing formation program was held on August 20–21 at the Archbishop’s Residence in Hanoi, with the presence of Archbishop Joseph Vũ Văn Thiên and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Vũ Công Viện. Fr. Dominic and the CIS team accompanied more than 200 priests from the Archdiocese.
Together, the priests reflected on three fundamental questions: What is synodality? Why does the Church need synodality today? And how can we put synodality into practice?
Through the practice of Conversation in the Spirit, the priests also engaged in communal discernment on two important and practical issues: clericalism and the role of women in the Church.
Two Archdioceses, two different contexts, but one shared invitation:
Synodality is not simply something we talk about.
It is a way of listening, discerning, and carrying out the Church’s mission together.
Read more:
Ongoing Formation of Priests in the Archdiocese of Saigon 2026
https://tgpsaigon.net/bai-viet/ky-thuong-huan-linh-muc-doan-sai-gon-nam-2026-91960
Ongoing Formation of Priests in the Archdiocese of Hanoi 2026
https://www.tonggiaophanhanoi.org/thuong-huan-linh-muc-doan-tong-giao-phan-ha-noi-nam-2026/
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