The first Apostolic Vicariate of Vĩnh Long was established in 1938 with Ngô Đình Thục appointed as its initial vicar apostolic. A prominent figure within the Catholic Church in Vietnam, he eventually ascended to the rank of Archbishop of Huế. His life was defined by the intersection of ecclesiastical authority and the political maneuvering of the Ngô family during a period of significant regional instability.
Ecclesiastical Career and Education
Born in Huế in 1897, Ngô Đình Thục pursued religious studies from a young age. He attended the minor seminary in An Ninh and later focused on philosophy at the major seminary in Huế. Following his ordination in 1925, he continued his education at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Throughout his career, he held various significant titles, serving as a titular bishop and vicar apostolic from 1938 to 1960. He later occupied the position of Roman Catholic Archbishop of Huế from 1960 until 1968, before serving as a titular archbishop until his death.
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Beyond his religious duties, Thục played a role in the international relations of the Republic of Vietnam. In 1950, he accompanied his brother, Ngô Đình Diệm, on travels to Japan and the United States to secure foreign support. He worked to establish connections with figures such as Cardinal Francis Spellman and engaged with American government officials, including Acting Secretary of State James Webb. These efforts were intended to bolster the Ngô family's political standing and ensure foreign aid for their administration.
Exile and Theological Shift
Following the 1963 coup in South Vietnam, which resulted in the deaths of his brothers Ngô Đình Diệm and Ngô Đình Nhu, Thục remained abroad. He spent his later years in Italy, France, and the United States. During this period of exile, his theological perspective shifted toward sedevacantism. He engaged in independent consecrations of bishops without Vatican approval, leading to his excommunication from the Catholic Church. Before his death in Carthage in 1984, he reconciled with the church.
Fast facts
- Born: 1897, Huế
- Died: 1984, Carthage
- Education: Pontifical Gregorian University
- Primary Occupation: Catholic archbishop
- Key Position: Archbishop of Huế (1960-1968)
- Affiliation: Sedevacantism
- Burial Site: Springfield
Questions readers ask
What was Ngô Đình Thục's role in the Catholic Church?
He served as a priest, vicar apostolic, and the first Archbishop of Huế before later aligning with sedevacantist movements.
Where did he spend his final years?
After leaving his home country during the 1963 political unrest, he lived in exile across Italy, France, and the United States.
