After thirteen years in the Jesuit community of the Holy Land, Father Joseph Nguyên Công Doan, known simply as Father Doan, leaves Jerusalem for Rome, the departure set for December 27, 2021. The community said its farewells at lunch on Christmas day, expressing profound appreciation for his years of service.
Father Doan explained: “I have served 18 years in Vietnam, 18 years for the international society in Rome (where he was assistant to Father General) and in Jerusalem. In between 9 years in prison, accused as a spy for the Holy See. Now I am going to the community in Rome for the elderly fathers where I can continue my apostolate, writing and spiritual direction at the service of the Vietnamese in Vietnam and in the diaspora.”
Father Doan came to Jerusalem in 2008 to serve as superior of the community and director of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem. After he ended his time as superior, he continued on in Jerusalem as a sought-after spiritual director, in particular in religious communities of men and women. He also began publishing a series of commentaries in Vietnamese of the parts of the Bible. He has also served as sacristan for the community and a spiritual father in the house, serving Jesuits and students.
Father Doan turned 80 in October 2021. We will miss him and we wish him many more years of health, happiness and faithful service!
Last year, Father Doan published a Christmas carol, which was published on this blog:
This year, the carol has been put to music thanks to Father Doan’s friends, Tâm Huynh and his wife, Mai Khanh, who commissioned the carol. This wonderful Christmas song can be heard sung in Vietnamese here and we publish the link to honor Father Doan!
Jesuits in the Holy Land 
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