Tu Nguyen

Formation Stage

Propaedeutic Year

Home Parish

St. Barbara, Santa Ana

Seminary

St. John's Seminary

Favorite Saint(s)

St. Faustina, St. Martin de Porres, St. Thomas Becket

Favorite Marian Apparition(s)

Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Walsingham, Our Lady of La Vang

Favorite Book or Movie

"Books: Untroubled by the Unknown by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Priests for the Third Millennium by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Little Catechism of the Cure of Ars by St. John Vianney Movies: A Walk to Remember (2002), Becket (1964), Silence (2016)

Favorite Hobby

Bowling, visiting new churches and places or restaurants, singing sacred music, listening to music, spending time with friends.

Background

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?

I first felt drawn toward the priesthood from a young age through a general attraction to the altar and the liturgy. During my teenage years, after a period of discernment in my faith life, I spoke with a priest during confession about his vocation, and his emphasis on love for the Eucharist and reverence for Christ left a strong impression on me. This helped me grow in a deeper appreciation for the Mass and His presence in the Eucharist. I later had the opportunity to serve at the altar occasionally as an adult, which further deepened this appreciation. Over time, I was supported by others who saw the possibility of a priestly vocation in me, while also growing in my own desire to serve the Church. I was especially drawn to diocesan priesthood through a desire for pastoral availability, serving as a confessor, and accompanying people in their joys and struggles, helping them encounter the hope and presence of Jesus through the ministry of His priests.

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

Two close friends of mine, who are also discerning the priesthood, had a strong influence on my decision to enter seminary. We are from the same parish, and it has been strengthening to pursue God’s will together as we all discern this call. One will be entering in the same class as me, while the other is hoping to enter next cycle. Their support, accountability, and shared desire for holiness helped strengthen my own discernment. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). I was also affirmed by the example of reverent, devout, and compassionate priests I encountered at Mass or in Confession at different parishes throughout the Diocese.

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

The moment I decided to take the next steps toward the priesthood came during a period of prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. While reading Untroubled by the Unknown by Fr. Mike Schmitz, I was moved by the story of St. Faustina and her response to Christ’s call, especially the reminder not to delay a response to God’s invitation. This brought me to a point of conviction where I expressed my desire to enter this cycle to my vocations director. Around the same time, an encounter after daily Mass with a parishioner who asked me to pray for her son also deepened my sense of being called to serve others through presence and prayer. These experiences together gave me the clarity to move forward.