BACKGROUND

I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States when I was sixteen years old. I have three brothers and I am the second oldest child.  I went to Santiago High School in Garden Grove, then California State University in Long Beach. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I was a lector for a children’s mass for two years.

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?

Factors that led me to decide to enter the seminary and discern my vocation to priesthood were when I began to question myself: what makes me happy? What are my plans for the future? What is my purpose in life?  Few ideas came up for those questions; however, it quickly unsatisfied me and it brought me back to where I started it.

Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? What is it about them that assisted you?

My spiritual father, a Jesuit, and a priest friend of mine influenced my decision to enter the seminary by their prayer life, their friendship, and their countless supports.  Also, it is definitely the inspiration  of Pope St. John Paul II.

Describe the moment that you knew you wanted to take the next steps to become a priest?

Even though becoming a priest still remains a mystery to myself,  I became convinced that I am loved by God beyond my comprehension. Then, I was frequently pondering over that experience which compelled me to take my first step to become a priest.