“I continue to be in awe of all the love that is bestowed on me. I will transpose it onto others, to truly be a prophet of love.”
– Dn. Henry Nguyen, SCJ
These have been busy days for Dn. Henry Nguyen, SCJ. On Friday evening, May 6, he graduated from Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology with his master’s in divinity. The next day, May 7, Henry was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Joseph Potocnak, SCJ, bishop emeritus of De Aar, South Africa.
Present at both events were Fr. Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú, SCJ, Superior General of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians), and Fr. Stephen Huffstetter, SCJ, Vicar General, who are in the United States for the General Visitation. Another special guest at the graduation was Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nunico, who gave the SHSST commencement address.
Reflecting on his ordination, Dn. Henry said that “My life changes forever as I take this next step in my journey of faith to say ‘yes.’ Preparing for my diaconate ordination confirmed my vocation because I know that I am called towards a life of service and to be among the people.
“I am excited to start my ministerial experience at St. Martin of Tours next month. I am excited to put into practice what I have been learning these last seven years. I am excited to share the Good News of the Lord with all.”
Dn. Henry is assigned to St. Martin of Tours in Franklin, WI, as of June 1.
Originally from Orange County, CA, Dn. Henry professed first vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 2018 and made his perpetual profession in January. He is 33. Before pursuing his vocation with the SCJs, he earned a bachelor’s degree in in psychology from California State University, Monterey Bay.
Dn. Henry did his CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) program in San Antonio with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, and last year, split his year of pastoral ministry between Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Mississippi and with the mission community of SCJs in Ecuador.
He has served on the SHSST Student Council, and has been active with the St. Martin of Tours chapter of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement (VEYM), serving as assistant chaplain and VP of Academic Affairs. At the national level, Dn. Henry was a youth leader trainer. He has also been a volunteer with the elderly and disabled residents of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care and assisted with the residential needs of students in SHSST’s English and Cultural Studies program. During the past year Dn. Henry was a member of the communications team that is responsible for the general website and social media.
“I am grateful to have received an overwhelming bundle of support from family and friends, near and far, and from the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement which fostered my religious vocation,” added Dn. Henry. “I continue to be in awe of all the love that is bestowed on me. I will transpose it onto others, to truly be a prophet of love.”
Click here or on the image at the top of the page to view a recording of the ordination.
Click here to view the online photo album.
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