ASIA/VIETNAM - Bishop of Xuân Lôc resigns, successor appointed

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has, 30 September 2004, accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Xuân Lôc (Vietnam) presented by Bishop Paul Marie Nguyên Minh Nhât, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1.
The Holy Father has appointed Bishop of Xuân Lôc (Vietnam), Reverend Dominique Nguyên Chu Trinh, until now parish priest at the cathedral and vicar general of the same diocese.
The Bishop elect was born on May 20, 1940 at Phu Nhai, Xuan Truong, Nam Dinh, diocese of Bui Chu. He studied philosophy and theology at the major inter-diocesan seminary in Saigon (1960-66). He was ordained a priest on April 29, 1966 for the diocese of Xuan Loc. He has since been assistant at the cathedral (1966-75) and at the same time director of Hoa Binh College and vice-director of diocesan Caritas office. Since 1978 has been parish priest at the cathedral and episcopal vicar and since 2000 Vicar general.
Xuân Lôc diocese, suffragan of Hochiminh-ville archdiocese was created on 14 October 1965. It has an area of 8.414 sq. Km., a population of 3,034,920 including, 954,368 Catholics (31,44%), 329 priests (261 diocesan and 68 religious), 1.580 Sisters, 158 major seminarians. It is the largest diocese in Vietnam. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/9/2004; Righe 16; Parole 205)