Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Mân, archbishop emeritus of Thàn-Phô Hô Chí Minh (Viêt Nam), is a prelate who, in the face of communist persecution and the closure of seminaries, played a crucial role in the formation of priests and the reopening of major seminaries in his country.

Born on March 5, 1934, in Ca Mau, Vietnam, his journey began at a young age when his first cousin once removed, Father Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp, encouraged him to pursue religious education. Following this advice, Mân attended La Salle Taberd School in Sài Gòn and later entered Cù Lao Giêng Minor Seminary.

Ordained priest on May 25, 1965, for the Diocese of Cần Thơ, Mân furthered his education at Loyola University of Los Angeles in the United States. Upon returning to Vietnam, he taught at the Saint Quý Minor Seminary and was later appointed rector of both the Minor and Major Seminaries.

In 1993, Mân was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Mỹ Tho, marking the beginning of his episcopal career. He was then promoted to Archbishop of Hồ Chí Minh City in 1998, where he served until his retirement in 2014. During his tenure, he officiated at a Mass in La Vang in 1998 commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparition.

A pivotal moment in Mân’s career came on October 21, 2003, when Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of cardinal. As a cardinal, he participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves.

Throughout his ministry, Cardinal Mân faced numerous challenges, including the persecution of the Church in Vietnam and the closure of seminaries due to political changes. Despite these obstacles, he played a crucial role in the formation of priests and the reopening of major seminaries in Vietnam.