Formation Stage

Pastoral Internship at St. Kilian

Home Parish

Our Lady of La Vang, Santa Ana 

Seminary

St. John’s Seminary

Background

What are some of the factors that led to your decision to enter the seminary and discern the question of a vocation to the priesthood?

Growing up in catholic village in the Archdiocese of Hanoi, I participated in all the events of the parish. I went to church every day, served as an altar server, joined a youth group, and accompanied the pastor in home visits. Parish life is where I recognized my vocation to the priesthood.

Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? What is it about them that assisted you?

Some people who have a great influence on my vocation to the priesthood. They are my parents who always encourage and invite me to follow the priesthood. Some others are two pastors at my parish, Fr. Joseph Pham and Fr. Anthony Tran. Fr. Joseph Pham has the ability to preach. He lived a very simple life. What I admired most about Fr. Anthony Tran was his dedication for prayer and his devotion to Our Lady. They spent their energies to help and visit the poor around the parish. Their actions and pastoral approach have helped me in my discernment to the seminary. They always encourage and share their vocation journey. Also they are ready to listen and give me advice whenever I have questions in my vocation life.

Describe the moment that you knew you wanted to take the next steps to become a priest?

When I was in high school, I spent time with church activities since all my friends were there. I participated in the youth group, learned catechist, served as altar server and involved in many other activities that filled with life-giving. It was from here that my vocation to the priesthood began.