Inter Dialogue between Pastoral Institute of Saigon Archdiocese & Tien Thien Caodai Academy
On the morning of May 16th, 2026, a delegation from the Pastoral Institute of Saigon Archdiocese (SPI), led by Father Francis Xavier Bao Loc—Director of SPI —visited the Cao Dai Tien Thien Academy at Chau Minh Holy See (Tien Thuy Commune, Vinh Long Province).
The delegation included SPI’s Teaching Staff and students of the 'Catholicism and Cao Dai' course, members of the Saigon Archdiocesan Committee for Interreligious Dialogue, as well as dignitaries and followers from the Agency for the Propagation of Great Dao Doctrines, the Caodai Missionary Church, and the Caodai Tay Ninh Holy See.
The delegation was received by Senior Arch-Priest Thai Cam Thanh, Vice Standing Head of the Executive Council; Senior Female Arch-Priest Huong Huong, Vice Standing Head of the Executive Council; alongside dignitaries from various departments of the Tien Thien Caodai Academy.
The gathering opened with the chanting of the Holy Name of the Supreme Being (Đức Chí Tôn) by the Caodai believers and the hymn 'Where There Is Love' (Đâu có tình yêu thương) by the Catholics, creating a warm atmosphere and spiritual communion between the faithful of both traditions.
In his welcoming address, Arch-Priest Thai Cam Thanh expressed his great joy in receiving the delegation. In response, Father Francis Xavier Bao Loc presented a floral basket to celebrate the '100th Anniversary of the Founding of Caodaiism' and highlighted their shared mission of building universal brotherhood through love, dialogue, and prayers for world peace, especially in areas suffered from war and conflict.
Following the program, the Director provided an overview of the history, educational orientation, and activities of SPI, including its training programs, library, and pastoral care vision within the current social context.
Representing the Cao Dai Tien Thien Academy, Professor Thuong Truc Thanh -Head of the Academic Affairs Office -presented an overview of the history of establishment, organizational structure, religious regulations, and development orientation of the Cao Dai Tien Thien Church. Subsequently, Professor Thuong Tao Thanh, Deputy Director of the Academic Division, introduced the educational programs designed for various levels of students, religious members, officers, and dignitaries within the Church.
During the visit, the delegation also toured several iconic religious architectural sites within the Chau Minh Holy See precinct, including the Hiep Thien Dai (Divine Palace), Nine-Sphere Palace, Eight-Trigram Palace, Mother Goddess Temple, and Gratitude Temple. Guided by Cao Dai dignitaries, the delegation gained a deeper (insights into) the symbolism, sacred art, and spiritual life of (the Cao Dai Tien Thien followers).
Closing the memorable encounter, Senior Arch-Priest Thai Cam Thanh and Father Francis Xavier Bao Loc presented representative religious publications (to the two academies as a token of as a token of mutul respect and a shared desire for mutual learning. The blessings of peace exchanged were not merely farewells, but open bridges for future encounters and collaboration in educating intellectuals from both religious traditions.
Under the theme “Coming Together in One Heart”, the encounter left a profound and lasting impression on all participants. The spirit of being “of one heart” was reflected through sincere dialogue, open listening, and a mutual commitment to peace and universal fraternity. In a world still marked by division and uncertainty, followers of two distinct faiths coming together with respect and love serves as a living testimony to unity in diversity, working in harmony to build a humanistic and compassionate society.
Từ Tâm
Translator: Sr Kim Trâm