Vietnam Bishop Urges Humility and Openness as Asian Synod Teams Gather In Thailand

“Be humble. Listen. Let the Spirit lead us.”

Bishop Joseph Do Manh Hung of Phan Thiet, Vietnam, offered that threefold invitation as he presided over the welcome Mass on August 31 at St. Michael Chapel at Baan Phu Wan, the Pastoral Training Center of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, Thailand, where Catholic representatives from across Asia have gathered for the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Meeting of National Synod Teams.

Welcoming participants after their journeys from different parts of Asia, Bishop Hung said the meeting should begin not with strategies or ready-made answers, but by placing everything “in the hands of the Lord.”

“Perhaps God has something to say to me through you,” he said, pointing to the diversity of bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful taking part in the gathering.

Reflecting on St. Paul’s words in the First Letter to the Corinthians, “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,” Bishop Hung said the future of the Church does not depend only on human wisdom, plans or strength, but first on Jesus Christ.

The Gospel proclamation, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” led him to emphasize listening. He linked this listening to the Church’s mission, recalling Jesus’ words that he was sent “to bring glad tidings to the poor.”

“Synodality is not only about meetings, structures, or documents,” Bishop Hung said. “We listen together so that we can discern together. We discern together so that we can be sent together.”

The Mass was concelebrated by participating priests, including Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung of Seoul, South Korea.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia after the Mass, Fr Alwin Peter Fernando, vicar general of the Diocese of Kandy, Sri Lanka, said the synodal journey does not require the Church to have perfect answers to every issue.

“Synodal journey does not mean having perfect answers for all issues,” he said. Rather, it requires humility and openness “to receive guidance from one another as we continue to move forwards.”

Reflecting on Sri Lanka, Fr. Fernando said synodality has been embraced enthusiastically by the Church, particularly by the laity. Its practical expression, however, can differ from diocese to diocese depending on local realities, cultural milieu, Church leadership and the involvement of the laity.

The August 31-September 4 meeting at Baan Phu Wan focuses on strengthening synodality in local Churches across Asia. Its three principal themes are building communion, walking the synodal path in local realities, and moving forward together. More than 75 delegates are taking part, including nine bishops, more than 30 priests, 19 religious women, and lay delegates, pastoral workers, theologians and other experts.

Organized by the FABC Commission for Synodality, under its chairman, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, and Fr. Devadass Clarence, executive secretary, the gathering combines prayer, reflection, dialogue and practical sharing.

The program includes Conversation in the Spirit, panel conversations, table discussions, plenary sharing and role-play exercises. Participants will discuss the role of national and diocesan synod teams, share emerging initiatives and best practices, address challenges, and explore how national teams can accompany dioceses in advancing synodality. The final day will focus on diocesan and national assemblies, future directions and support structures, with participants considering concrete next steps for their local Churches.

Bishop Hung concluded by entrusting the gathering to the Holy Spirit: “Open our hearts to one another. Teach us to listen. Help us to discern. And lead us together wherever You want the Church in Asia to go.”