First Generation American Priest: Father Nghia Nguyen

In this heartwarming episode of Life of a Priest, we sat down with Father Nghia Nguyen, a proud Texan with Vietnamese roots and a profound love for his faith and vocation. Father Nghia’s journey to the priesthood is a moving testimony of trust in God’s plan, shaped by cultural heritage, personal loss, and transformative experiences within the Church.

A Heritage of Faith and Resilience

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Father Nghia grew up in a family deeply rooted in their Vietnamese Catholic heritage. His parents, survivors of the Vietnam War, fled their homeland on man-made rafts, navigating treacherous seas to find safety.

Their journey, marked by trials and unwavering faith, left an indelible mark on Father Nghia. “My parents taught me to trust in God’s plan,” he shares, recounting their harrowing experiences as refugees seeking safety and a better life in the United States.

The family’s faith was nurtured at a Vietnamese Catholic church, where cultural traditions and the Catholic faith are intertwined. From parading lanterns during the Autumn Festival to learning prayers in Vietnamese, the Nguyen family found a vibrant connection between their faith and their heritage.

A Call Sparked by Loss

At just 14 years old, Father Nghia faced a pivotal moment that shaped his future. The tragic loss of his best friend in a car accident left him questioning the meaning of life. It was during this time of grief that his brother, then a seminarian, introduced him to the power of prayer.

Though skeptical at first, the power of personal brought Father Nghia the consolation and connection with God he was longing for. Inspired by his brother’s faith, he began exploring the possibility of the priesthood.

An Unconventional Path

Father Nghia’s journey to the priesthood was anything but ordinary. After being encouraged to attend a high school program with the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer, he encountered a welcoming community of brothers and priests.

Through manual labor, shared meals, and prayer during Marian Days, Father Nghia felt at peace and realized, “This is where I’m meant to be.” Over four years, he discerned his vocation within the religious community, embracing a rhythm of prayer and brotherhood.

Yet, during his college years, he began to feel a different call that would ultimately lead him to leave religious life and return home to further discern hi vocation. Guided by prayer and a timely affirmation from a mentor, he ultimately was led to the Diocesan priesthood. After completing the application process, Father became a seminarian with the Diocese of Fort Worth, where he continued his formation and eventually was ordained.

Monastic Influences on Parish Life

Father Nghia’s time in religious life and later formation for the diocesan priesthood left a lasting impression on his spirituality and ministry. Particularly formative was his experience of monastic prayer and community.

“Monastic life teaches you to master yourself,” Father Nghia explains. “It’s about knowing yourself, loving yourself as God created you, and sharing that love with others.”

This contemplative foundation now shapes his work as a parish priest. Father Nghia seeks to foster a deeper sense of prayer and community within his parish, encouraging parishioners to look beyond external appearances and focus on their relationship with God.

A Day in the Life of Father Nghia

Life as a parish priest is varied and dynamic. A typical day includes morning prayer, celebrating Mass, preparing homilies, visiting the sick, teaching classes, and handling the practical needs of the parish. But what is his favorite part of the priesthood? Celebrating the Sacraments. “Through the Eucharist and confession, we bring Christ’s mercy and presence to His people.”

Words of Wisdom

Father Nghia’s advice for those discerning their vocation is simple yet profound:

• Begin with Prayer: “Start your day by giving thanks to God. It doesn’t take much time, but it sets the tone for everything else.”

• Foster a Relationship with Mary: Through a relationship with the Blessed Mother, we find the surest path to her Son, Jesus.

• Trust God’s Timing: Father Nghia’s own path, marked by missed deadlines and unexpected turns, is a testament to God’s perfect timing.

An Invitation to Pray for Vocations

Father Nghia’s story is a reminder of the beauty and necessity of the priesthood. “We need priests to celebrate the sacraments,” he emphasizes. “Pray for vocations, and if God is calling you, be open to His plan.”