Using the Gospel of Luke to reflect on the situation of those who live on the fringes of society, including those displaced by migration
In May, Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, received his Master’s Degree in Theology and his S.T.L. (Licentiate of Sacred Theology) from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley. He actually completed the comprehensive exams and coursework for the degrees over a year ago; it was a necessary stepping stone toward his doctorate in Biblical Studies.
The next step was coursework specific to the doctoral program, including developing proficiency in Hebrew, Greek and German so that he can do research. Fr. Vien completed recently completed that coursework so that he can now move toward his final step on the path toward a doctorate: his dissertation.
During a recent visit to the Provincial Offices Fr. Vien talked about his four years of studies. “It was all leading up to what I am about to undertake,” he said, “writing my dissertation.”
This month he is working on his proposal, which he hopes is approved in the next few weeks. Although he has already started to pull some of his thoughts together, the official writing process begins in September. He anticipates taking 12-18 months to complete his dissertation. The focus of his doctoral work will be about people on the fringes of society, how people are separated by ethnicity, gender and space. Much of his reflection will be based in the Gospel of Luke.
Fr. Vien will remain in Berkeley while writing his dissertation. “I miss being with the community but it makes sense for me to stay there until I complete the writing,” he said. “The resources that I need are there.”
Although much of his life is tied to academics right now, Fr. Vien continues to do help-out ministry at local parishes and occasionally leads retreats. He hopes to continue to do so while writing his dissertation.
