Rev. Landry Védrenne, mep, Ph.D.
Rome, May 21, 2025
Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Nho is truly a luminous figure of the Vietnamese Church. It is both a grace and an ineffable joy to have had him as a godfather and to have benefited from his teachings. Through his pastoral ministry, his dedication to the most vulnerable, and his profound humility, he left an indelible mark on my spiritual life and my life as a believer. He continues to inspire me as well as believers of all generations, who are called to live the Gospel in simplicity and humility.
His episcopal motto, “Mitis et Humilis” (Gentle and Humble), drawn from the words of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew (11:29), perfectly summarizes the path Bishop Peter sought to follow throughout his life: to embody the gentleness and humility of Christ, in full trust in God’s will. This motto was not merely a slogan, but the foundation of his life, a vocation that marked every gesture, every decision, and every encounter.
Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Nho dedicated his entire life to the service of the Church, with unwavering commitment to evangelization, the formation of priests, and the accompaniment of his faithful. As a priest and later as a bishop, he was able to reconcile the simplicity and grandeur of Christian love, living in authentic proximity with the people of God. He was a pastor attentive to others, always ready to extend a hand, to listen, and to offer spiritual support, whether to the elderly, young priests, or the faithful. His ability to listen to others, to understand their needs, and to offer words of consolation was a testament to great spiritual depth and incomparable compassion.
His ministry was admirably marked by a clear evangelical vision: to serve and love unconditionally. For Bishop Peter, the Christian mission was not limited to preaching the Gospel, but consisted of embodying that Gospel in daily life, through concrete acts of charity and solidarity. His life was a living testimony of God’s love, a love embodied in simple but powerful actions that touched lives wherever he went. He never sought to make himself noticed, but allowed his humility and gentleness to be the true witness of his faith.
Bishop Peter was also a builder of the local Church. His tireless work in the formation of priests, the founding of educational and charitable institutions, and the accompaniment of younger generations demonstrated his deep commitment to serve Christ in his brothers, especially the smallest and the most disadvantaged. He worked tirelessly to strengthen solidarity and fraternity within his community, creating bridges of hope for the young, the poor, and all those who suffered. His actions in favor of education, culture, and the development of youth had a significant impact, as he firmly believed that the Church should be a lever for personal and spiritual transformation, a place of love and justice for all.
As a pastor, Bishop Peter was a model of gentleness and firmness. His gentleness, far from being a weakness, was a true strength. It calmed hearts, brought souls closer to God, and fostered reconciliation among all. His humility, for its part, never hindered his ability to make courageous decisions for the good of the Church and its faithful. On the contrary, it allowed him to guide his flock with wisdom imbued with compassion, without ever deviating from the path traced by Christ.
Bishop Peter embodied unity, concord, and peace. He brought comfort and serenity to those who suffered, and called everyone to unite around Christ. His commitment to the unity of all made him a man deeply respected, not only by his priests and faithful but also by those who did not share his faith. He was recognized by believers of other religions and by non-believers. His exceptional witness of life went beyond the walls of churches to reach all the peripheries.
Today, the legacy of Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Nho remains alive through the many lives he touched. His love, his faith, and his ability to serve others continue to inspire those who seek to live their faith in today’s world. His motto “Mitis et Humilis” still resonates as a call to live the Gospel in simplicity, gentleness, and humility, to be living witnesses of Christ’s love, through every act of charity, every gesture of solidarity, every word of mercy.
May his intercession continue to accompany us on our own journey of faith. May, in his image, we be humble and generous servants, ready to offer our lives for the good of God and our neighbor. Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Nho is an example for us all, not only as a pastor and bishop, but also as a true missionary disciple of Christ, who knew how to fully live charity, humility, and gentleness.
May his memory live forever in our hearts and actions, and may his legacy continue to nourish the Church and guide its members toward a world that is more just, more fraternal, and closer to God.
Rev. Landry Védrenne, mep, Ph.D.
Propaganda Fide Historical Archives
Dicastery for Evangelization, Vatican City State