BACKGROUND

My name is John Huan Nguyen, and I was born on January 20, 1987 in Hanoi, Vietnam. I grew up in a family of 5 people in Hanoi Archdiocese in Vietnam. My dad is 60 years old. My mom is 54 years old. I have an older brother who is married and lives about 5 minutes away from our family. I also have a younger brother who is married and lives with his family nearby. I am a middle child. we lived in a small catholic village, everybody knows everyone. All our activities were centered around parish life. Mom also taught us based on what she had learned from her family. My family is a very close-knit family. We care for each other and support each other. Even when my two brothers were married, we would have family gathering at least 2 times a week. Often until this day, my nieces and nephews stay with my parents over the weekends. Since we live in a small catholic village, we often get together almost every small or big celebration ranging from birthday, feast day, anniversary, new year, holidays etc.

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.