Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. On September 8, 2023, on the day of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Claretian Missionaries of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province in Vietnam accomplished a significant milestone. This day marked the priestly ordination of Fr. Ho Sy Nam, CMF and Fr. Nguyen Hoang Vung, CMF at Tan Lap Parish, Ho Chi Minh City, with Most Rev. Joseph Nguyễn Năng, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, presiding over the sacred ceremony.
The decision to hold this historic ordination in Vietnam was born from a momentous event on June 15, 2022, when the Vietnamese government officially recognized the presence of the Claretians in Vietnam. This recognition paved the way for the Claretians to openly engage in pastoral and social work within the local church of Vietnam.
During the homily, Most Rev. Nang emphasized the importance of embracing the Claretian charism as missionaries ready to serve anywhere, especially among the poor and marginalized. He called on the newly ordained priests and all Claretians to remain united with the Lord, the source of their religious missionary vocation.
The ordination ceremony marked a new and remarkable chapter in the Claretians’ mission in Vietnam. The 21-year journey leading up to this moment was characterized by unwavering patience, persistent efforts, and a deep commitment to building bridges of understanding and trust with the Vietnamese people. It served as a testament to the resilience of faith and dedication to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in regions where the Catholic faith remains a minority.
Source: Fr. Wigbert Papa, CMF, Secretary, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province.
