On July 25, 2026, the Provincial Custody of St. Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam celebrated the priestly ordination of three friars at Đông Quang Parish Church in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The ordaining prelate was the Most Reverend Joseph BÙI (Công Trác), Auxiliary Bishop of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The newly ordained were Friars John Baptist Teresa NGUYỄN (Phạm Thế), John Baptist TRẦN (Văn Hướng), and Joseph LÊ (Phạm Viết Hoàng).
In his homily, Bishop BÙI recalled the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. On this significant Franciscan anniversary, he encouraged the friars to faithfully carry forward the spiritual heritage of the Seraphic Father, especially his spirit of minority, fraternity, and peace, and to embody those values in their lives and ministry.
The Mass of Ordination was attended by many friars, together with the families and relatives of the newly ordained, their friends, and benefactors of the Custody, who came to share in the joy of the friars and to give thanks to God for the gift of their vocation.
A week later, on August 1, 2026, the friars gathered at St. Nguyễn Duy Khang Parish Church, also in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, for the celebration of temporary and solemn professions. The celebration began at 8:30 a.m.
Four novices—Friars Joseph NGÔ (Văn Tạc), Andrew Kim THÔNG (Việt Hữu Danh), Joseph LÊ (Văn Hảo), and Martin ĐỖ (Anh Quốc)—made their first profession. Their admission to first profession had been approved by the Custodial Definitory at its extraordinary session on June 23, 2026.
During the same ceremony, Friars Joachim PHẠM (Văn Vinh), Joseph Clare PHẠM (Văn Ân), Joseph NGUYỄN (Kim Toản), Peter BÙI (Văn Vịnh), and Joseph HOÀNG (Đức Thành) made their solemn profession, thus definitively committing themselves to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity, according to the Rule of St. Francis.
Friar Joseph TRẦN (Văn Long), former Custos of the Custody of Vietnam, received their professions on behalf of the Order. Also present at the ceremony was Friar Luke (Joseph) VŨ (Văn Lực), Definitor of the Province of St. Joseph of Cupertino in the USA.
The ceremony brought together a large number of friars, families and relatives of the newly professed, as well as friends and benefactors of the Custody. Their presence made the celebration a joyful event not only for the religious community but also for all those who have guided and supported the friars throughout their vocational journey.
For the Provincial Custody of St. Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam, these celebrations were a joyful time of thanksgiving and a sign of the continued growth of Franciscan life in Vietnam. The Custody gives thanks to God for the gift of these friars and for the families, friends, and benefactors who have supported them throughout their vocational journey. May the Lord strengthen them in their vocation so that they may faithfully and joyfully serve the Church and the Order in the footsteps of St. Francis.
Friar Joseph LÊ (Phạm Viết Hoàng)
