Appointment of Bishop-Elect Thinh Xuan Nguyen

On the evening of 8 November 2024, Rev Fr Thinh Xuan Nguyen was appointed by Pope Francis as Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the titular see of Madaurus.

Biography of Bishop-Elect Thinh Xuan Nguyen

Born in 1973 in Saigon, Vietnam, to Hang Xuan Nguyen and Coi Thi Nguyen (nee Pham), Fr Thinh Nguyen is the 3rd youngest of nine brothers and four sisters.

Following his early education at Ket Doan, Saigon, Fr Thinh arrived in Australia at 13 years of age, and took up secondary studies at Redden Catholic College in Preston Victoria. He later obtained a Bachelor of Building Engineering and a Diploma in Lighting Design whilst working with an engineering firm. In 1999, he entered Corpus Christi College Regional Seminary Carlton, and was ordained for the priesthood by Archbishop Denis Hart on 16 September 2006 in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne.

Fr Thinh has served in the Melbourne Archdiocesan parishes of Deer Park; Fitzroy and Bennettswood, and has also served as Chaplain to Archdiocesan Office of Youth, Chaplain to the University of Melbourne, Formator at Corpus Christi College (Regional Seminary), and Assistant Vocations Director for the Archdiocese. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies, and a Master of Arts in Spirituality.

In 2022, Fr Thinh was appointed Co-ordinator of Clergy, Life and Ministry, the Archdiocesan Office that undertakes ongoing formation of Clergy in the human, intellectual, pastoral and spiritual areas of their lives. With more than 200 active Priests and Deacons, and over 100 retired Clergy, this substantial role has enabled Fr Thinh to strengthen and support the Clergy in finding their personal meaning in the midst of God’s people.

On the evening of 8 November 2024, Rev Fr Thinh Xuan Nguyen along with Rev Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ were appointed by Pope Francis as Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Melbourne.