Pope Francis Appoints Rev. Thanh Thai Nguyen as New Auxiliary Bishop of Orange
Florida Pastor will assume a central role in the spiritual care for America’s largest Vietnamese Catholic community.
Garden Grove, Calif., (October 6, 2017) – The Vatican Press Office today announced that the Holy See has appointed Bishop-elect Thanh Thai Nguyen as Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Orange. He will support Bishop Kevin Vann and Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer in caring for the spiritual needs of the 1.3 million-member diocese, one of the fastest-growing and most ethnically diverse in the United States.
His episcopal ordination will be announced in the coming days.
Statements from Diocesan Leadership
Bishop-elect Thanh Thai Nguyen: “I am both humbled and honored to accept this appointment. I am grateful to Pope Francis and to Bishop Vann for their trust and confidence in me and I pray that I may live up to their expectations. My life continues to be blessed by the Grace of God and I look forward to joining with my new family of faith in the Diocese of Orange.”
The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange: “We are blessed as a Diocese to welcome such an experienced and passionate leader to journey with us in faith. Bishop-elect Nguyen is loved greatly by his current congregation and has a reputation as a humble, competent and caring leader. These traits will serve our Diocese well as our community continues its growth – both in size and faith.”
About Bishop-elect Nguyen: A Journey of Faith and Perseverance
Bishop-elect Nguyen’s path to the episcopacy is a remarkable story of faith and survival.
- Early Life and Persecution in Vietnam: Born in Nha Trang, Vietnam, in 1953, he entered St. Joseph Seminary in 1966. His formation was interrupted when the communist government took over in 1975, forcing him and other seminarians into hard labor in rice fields to be allowed to continue their studies.
- Escape and Survival at Sea: After suffering religious persecution, he and 26 members of his extended family fled Vietnam in a small motorboat in 1979. They were soon engulfed by a tropical storm and spent 18 days at sea, several without food or water. The family prayed the Rosary together each morning and evening. Miraculously, all 26 survived and arrived safely in the Philippines.
- A New Life and Renewed Calling in America: After 10 months in a refugee camp, the family arrived in Beaumont, Texas, in June 1980. Bishop-elect Nguyen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Merrimack College, graduating Cum Laude. He took his first vows with the La Salette Order in 1987 and graduated from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in 1990. He was ordained a priest on May 11, 1991.
- Pastoral Ministry: Bishop-elect Nguyen was later incardinated into the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida, where he currently serves as pastor of St. Joseph parish. He is well known by parishioners for his love of music, his skill in playing the guitar, and as an avid tennis player.
His New Role in Orange
As Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop-elect Nguyen will help shepherd the large and diverse community of faith in Orange County. He will provide important pastoral care and leadership within the Vietnamese Catholic community, which is the largest such congregation in the United States.
Contact Information
Pastoral Center: Communications Department
13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Office: 714-282-3075
Fax: 714-282-3029