[1][2] From 1977 to 1992, while seminaries were closed in Vietnam, he returned to his family and at a variety of jobs while also serving an internship in the parish of Song My, Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan.

[1][2] He received his episcopal consecration on 4 August of that year[3] from Paul Nguyễn Văn Hòa, Bishop of Nha Trang.

[citation needed] On 29 October 2016, Pope Francis named him Archbishop of Huế and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Thanh Hoa.

[7] Linh was elected President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam on 5 October 2016, shortly before his transfer to Hue.

[8] In that role he has led the nation's bishops in warning against the use of "quasi-magical" practices in liturgies, notably healing services associated with charismatic devotions.