On August 5, 2022, the Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam was joyful to have four friars being ordained to the Priesthood and one friar being ordained to the Diaconate through the imposition of the hands of The Most Reverend Joseph NGUYEN Tan Tuoc, Bishop of Phu Cuong Diocese. The ordinations took place at Son Loc Parish where the Curia of the Custody located, and our friars usually come to celebrate Masses on Wednesday and Sunday every week.
Those celebrating included father Joseph TRAN Van Long, the Provincial Custos; Father Maximilian Kolbe NGUYEN Van Tuan coming from the mother Province of Saint Joseph of Cupertino in California, USA; 11 priests in the Custody; 3 priests and professors from Franciscan Institute of the OFM where the Friars studied; 51 priests from other Congregations and Dioceses. Many members of the families and friends of the newly ordained gathered for the solemn celebrations.
The newly Deacon is Friar Joseph NGUYEN Van Nhan who is doing ministry for the lepers at Van Mon Leper Camp in the North of Vietnam. Four newly Priests are Dominic NGUYEN Cong Hoai, Joseph TRAN Van Cuong, Micheal NGUYEN Khai Hoang, Stephen TRAN Nhu Tang.
In the homily, the bishop spoke that although the newly ordained are fully aware of their weaknesses, the Lord firmly put his trust in them and send them to bring salvation to the world through their ministries of Priesthood and Diaconate. In order to participate in salvific ministries of our Lord Jesus Christ, they need to be deepened in His love through prayers and liturgical celebrations. They are called to serve others, not only the poor, the sick, the marginalized as the Church usually calls them, but also the hatred, the opposer, the accuser in Peace and Goodness of Franciscan Charism.
Through the blessing of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the intercession of our father Francis, of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani and of all the Franciscan Saints, may the Lord grant our newly Priests and Deacon full of grace to live a holy life and to serve the altar and the people of God faithfully.
Friar Joseph NGUYỄN (Chính Luận), Custodial Secretary