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Name: Michael Nghia Pham
Date of birth: July 26, 1975
Hobbies and interests: reading, cooking, and handy-work
Favorite saints: St. Theresa of the Child Jesus and St. John Vianney
I would like to share about how God called me and helped me to follow his call. God calls each of us in different ways. His call to us might be through our parents, through our friends, or may be through a special event. In my case He called me through my friend. When I was a high school student in Vietnam I used to go to daily Mass in early morning. At the time I wasn’t thinking about becoming a priest. I just went to Mass as many parishioners did, and didn’t question myself as to why. One day as I was leaving the church after Mass a friend of mine called me and said, “Hey Nghia, do you want to become a priest?” He asked me because he saw me going to Mass every day. At first I said no, however the idea of becoming a priest entered into my mind. It was like a seed of desire to seek God had begun to grow in my heart. A few weeks later I said to myself that I should try and I did. I believe that God called me through my friend, so I hope that one day you will recognize the way that God calls you. It might be one of the people who are around you, or from a special situation.
Following the call of God is not always easy so I joined a group of men who discerning the priesthood. In 1993 I applied to St. Joseph Seminary in Saigon, Vietnam. In Vietnam the Communist government controls all religions and the number of priests as well. At the time they only allowed twenty candidates to study for the priesthood every two years. Because of this I had to wait for my turn, which was going to be about ten years. During the waiting time many times I felt frustrated and wanted to give up my vocation. I felt no hope in the possibility of becoming a priest and there were many temptations around me. I had a good job and fell in love with a beautiful girl. But somehow God kept me on track to follow his call. He gave me a chance to come to the United States so that I could continue my vocation to the priesthood.
Every place has its own difficult situations. I came here with some difficulties and obstacles such as language and culture. However, I have received a lot support and encouragement from my family, from my friends, and from people in my parish. I do believe that God is always with me. He encourages me through people who are around me and helps me to overcome the difficult times.