Antoine Nguyễn Văn Thiện facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antoine Nguyễn Văn Thiện |
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| Bishop of Vĩnh Long | |
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| Church | Catholic |
| Province | Sài Gòn |
| See | Vĩnh Long |
| Appointed | 24 November 1960 |
| Enthroned | 3 April 1961 |
| Reign ended | 12 July 1968 |
| Predecessor | Pierre Martin Ngô Đình Thục (as Vicar Apostolic) |
| Successor | Jacques Nguyễn Văn Mầu |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 21 February 1932 |
| Consecration | 22 January 1961 by Pierre Martin Ngô Đình Thục |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 March 1906 Cái Cồn, Sóc Trăng province, French Cochinchina |
| Died | 13 May 2012 (aged 106) Nice, France |
| Motto | Opere et Veritate (Practice and Truth) |
Antoine Nguyễn Văn Thiện (born March 13, 1906 – died May 13, 2012) was a Vietnamese Roman Catholic bishop. He was known for being the oldest living bishop in the Catholic Church at 106 years old. He was also one of the last bishops who served in South Vietnam to still be alive.
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Who Was Bishop Antoine Nguyễn Văn Thiện?
Antoine Nguyễn Văn Thiện was an important leader in the Catholic Church. He lived a very long life, reaching 106 years old. He was a bishop, which is a high-ranking priest who leads a group of churches called a diocese.
Early Life and Becoming a Priest
Antoine Nguyễn Văn Thiện was born in a place called Cái Cồn. This was in the Sóc Trăng province of what was then French Cochinchina. This area is now part of Vietnam.
He decided to dedicate his life to the church. On February 20, 1932, he became a priest. This is called ordination.
Becoming a Bishop
In November 1960, Antoine Nguyễn Văn Thiện was chosen to become a bishop. He was appointed to lead the Vĩnh Long area. In January 1961, he officially became a bishop. This special ceremony is called episcopal consecration.
He served as the Bishop of Vĩnh Long until 1968. After that, he resigned from his main role. He was then given the title of a titular bishop of Hispellum. This means he still held the title of bishop, but for a historical or honorary diocese.
Oldest Living Bishop
On October 6, 2005, Bishop Thiện became the oldest living Roman Catholic bishop. This happened after Bishop Ettore Cunial passed away at age 99. Bishop Thiện held this title for many years.
He passed away in Nice, France, on May 13, 2012. He was 106 years old. After his death, Géry Leuliet from France became the oldest living Catholic bishop.
Sources
- "Bishop saved from rebels", Spokane Daily Chronicle, November 9, 1961
