It’s been almost a week since Melbourne auxiliary bishops Thinh Nguyen and Rene Ramirez RCJ returned from Rome, where they attended a formation course for new bishops. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
The annual course is offered by the dicasteries for bishops, for evangelisation and for Eastern Churches . It covered topics from the administration of a diocese to synodality, mission and communication. More than 200 bishops attended from around the world.
Bishop Nguyen described the gathering as “blessed” and said the highlights included “fellowship with other bishops” and hearing from Pope Leo XIV.
“We had the audience with the Pope in the auditorium next door to the Paul VI Hall,” Bishop Nguyen said.
“He gave advice to us bishops about being humble, and to be close to your people and to be close to your priests.”
Attending the formation course reminded Bishop Nguyen that he wasn’t alone in his ministry.
“The course looked at the role of bishops, our responsibilities and administration … and reminded us to not become overwhelmed by that; that we are not alone in this journey.
“Something that the Pope said to us at the final audience – ‘You are in my prayer every day” – I think that was really affirming for me, coming back here, and knowing that I have that support.”
Pope Leo said to trust in the Holy Spirit, and that God knows what he’s doing. Trust in that, and believe in that.
The Pope also encouraged the bishops to believe that they were chosen for a reason.
“He said to us that the Holy Spirit is calling us to this ministry. And that we have to believe in that and to not doubt ourselves, because some of the bishops said, ‘I don’t have the ability’ and ‘Why have I been called to this ministry?’
“And Pope Leo said to trust in the Holy Spirit, and that God knows what he’s doing. Trust in that and believe in that. I think that hit home for me too.”
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‘God knows what he’s doing’: Bishop Thinh Nguyen reflects on time at bishop school (Melbourne Catholic)
