Retired Bishop Paul Mary Cao Dinh Thuyen of Vinh blesses the congregation at a Mass to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination, on Nov. 16 in Xa Doai Cathedral. (Courtesy of Vinh Diocese)
A 91-year-old retired bishop in northern Vietnam, lauded for years of resolving disputes with government officials, remains highly active and speaks with a clear voice.
Retired Bishop Paul Mary Cao Dinh Thuyen of Vinh celebrated a special Mass at Xa Doai Cathedral on Nov 16 to mark the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
The Mass was attended by 10 bishops and hundreds of priests as well as thousands of Catholics.
Father Raphael Tran Xuan Nhan said Bishop Thuyen had great experience in resolving disputes and difficulties in the diocese.
Father Nhan, who worked with Bishop Thuyen for many years as his secretary, told ucanews.com that in 2009 police beat Catholics who tried to erect a temporary place of worship.
Bishop Thuyen had united Catholics in standing up for their rights.
Bishop Thuyen still regularly pays pastoral visits in the diocese serving 535,000 Catholics of the three north-central provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh.
His priority is to look after Catholics in remote areas who suffer difficulties in their dealings with the government.
As bishop of the diocese for ten years from 2000, Bishop Thuyen ordained 104 priests and deacons, established or re-established dozens of parishes and developed Catholic associations.
Father Nhan said Bishop Thuyen lives a humble life, obeys superiors and is absolutely faithful to the church.
Born in 1926 in Nghe An province, Bishop Thuyen was ordained as a priest in 1960.
