A Note From Seminarian Henry Nguyen

Going into this summer assignment I did not know what to expect. I had never talked to Fr. Jim for more than ten seconds, and Fr. Jerome was ordained the first year I became a seminarian. I did not have any real interaction with these priests who I would be living with for the summer. Despite my worries of not liking the priests or the priests not liking me, I was welcomed to St. Eugene with open arms, and I could not be more grateful. This summer has been very affirming in my vocational discernment toward priesthood. I have been blessed to see how two of the best priests in the archdiocese care, love and serve their people through sick calls, quinceañeras, weddings and Sundays. It is beautiful to see the love that Fr. Jim and Fr. Jerome have for you here. If I can be half the priest they are, I will be golden. A large reason that this summer has been affirming my vocation is that you all have been so welcoming and kind to me. Everyone I have met here has been nothing but kind. Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful community that you have at St. Eugene. I am saddened that my time here has to come to an end so quickly, but I need to go back to seminary so that one day I may serve as a priest in this archdiocese. In August, I will be moving to Emmitsburg, Maryland to start my theological studies at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary. This is a special place for this archdiocese because Bl. Stanley Rother and Archbishop Coakley both went to this seminary. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for my brother seminarians and me as we continue our studies toward the priesthood. More importantly, please pray and encourage the young men in our archdiocese to answer the call of our Lord to be his priest. Please know of my continual prayers for you and that you will hold a special place in my heart.

- Pax, Henry Nguyen