WelCom October 2024
John the Baptist Kinh van Nguyen, one of the Archdiocese of Wellington’s seminarians, was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Friday 6 September by Archbishop Paul Martin sm, at Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby, in Auckland.
Kinh Nguyen came from the Diocese of Vinh in Vietnam to New Zealand almost six years ago. In 2019, he was admitted to be a seminarian for the Archdiocese by Cardinal John Dew.
At his ordination, Kinh spoke words of gratitude in Vietnamese and in English, beginning by acknowledging the ‘unfathomable love of God’. He said ‘God called and chose me to be a servant of His people because of his love for me. For this, I will praise and glorify His name forever and ever.’
Kinh thanked Archbishop Paul ‘for putting your trust in me and so ordaining me to this Order of Service’. He also thanked Cardinal John for admitting him to be a seminarian for the Archdiocese.
Kinh went on to acknowledge his parents, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces for their ‘unconditional love and constant support’ throughout his life, and especially their accompaniment on his vocation journey. ‘Though you are not able to be here physically, I know your hearts are always with me, especially on this important day of my life.’
To staff at Holy Cross Seminary and Catholic Theological College, Kinh said, ‘It is you who have provided me with the foundational stone upon which I am going to build my life as a servant of God and God’s people.’ He also thanked his fellow seminarians for their brotherhood over the last six years.
Kinh paid special tribute to Vietnamese Choir and the Samoan Choir of Sacred Heart Parish and those who prepared the liturgy for ‘making this celebration beautiful and solemn,’ and he acknowledged the people of the land, especially the clergies and the people of the Archdiocese of Wellington, for their support and unending prayers.
‘I also acknowledge today the love I have received since my arrival in this land from the Vietnamese communities around the country, especially from my Vietnamese brothers, and the Vietnamese people in Wellington and Auckland.’
King concluded by thanking everyone who came to support him on his important day.
Please continue to keep Kinh in your prayers as he continues his formation at the seminary until the end of this year in his journey towards the priesthood.
You can read about Kinh’s vocational journey from Vietnam to Wellington at: tinyurl.com/Kinh-Nguyen-Journey on the Archdiocese website.