Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City celebrates appointment of a coadjutor
by J.B. Vu
Bishop Paul Bui Van Đọc , former bishop of Mỹ Tho , is known and appreciated for his work in the field of teaching. His style has been described as "simple and sincere”. He is seen as an example of " service to the mission". The bishop is the president of the Episcopal Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Ho Chi Minh City ( AsiaNews) - A "personality" in formation , an expert in theology and philosophy, which has been able to engage in relationships of "friendship and affection " with students with "a simple and sincere " style. This is the portrait of a time that many seminarians and priests today trace of Msgr. Paul Bui Van Đọc , appointed by Pope Francis on September 28 coadjutor bishop of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam. For years at the helm of the Diocese of Mỹ Tho as Apostolic Administrator ad nutum et Sanctae Sedis, which remains vacant, the prelate is an example of " service to mission , formation and guidance in pastoral activities ."

Born on November 11, 1944 in Da Lat , in the south of Vietnam, he attended the Major Seminary of the then Saigon , then moved to Rome's Urbanianum University . In 1970 he returned to the country of origin to receive priestly ordination. From 1975 to 1995 he was rector and professor at the Major Seminary of Da Lat , contributing to the formation of many future priests.

On 20 May 1999 he was ordained bishop at the hands of Cardinal Jean Baptiste Pham Minh Man and the head of the Diocese of My Tho , until Pope Francis decided to appoint him coadjutor of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.

The prelate also holds the position of chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith , and , in 2009 , was among the members of the Vietnamese delegation who arrived in Rome for the ad limina visit. On his return he repeatedly stressed and revived the teachings in matters of faith of Pope Benedict XVI, while promoting initiatives and activities in the field of social justice, service to the poor and persecuted.