Mr. Ton Thai Nguyen

My name is Ton Nguyen. I was born and raised in Phan Thiet, Vietnam. I am the fourth child in a Vietnamese Catholic family of five. We live in a small village in the South of Vietnam.

Though I recognized that God was calling me to be a priest since I was a little kid, I always asked God for a specific sign of my vocation. I did not receive any answers from Him, so I went to college in Saigon. Living outside of the seminary environment, I had a strong desire to go inside to discover if I truly had a call to be a priest or not. I was hesitant, until one day people starting greeting me as if I was a seminarian. At that time, I prayed more to Jesus and everyone, especially my family, encouraged me to seek my vocation more seriously. I asked God if that was His will, I would not ponder anymore and say “Yes.” While I was applying to Nicolas Phan Thiet College Seminary, which is in my home diocese, I met Fr. Paul Cao who was a formator at St. Joseph College Seminary. He is a great Vietnamese priest. He explained and guided me in answering God’s call. Then, he asked me if I wanted to serve my vocation in Chicago. I asked my pastor and decided to apply to St. Joseph College Seminary.

As a part of my formation, I am assigned to your beloved parish, St. Bernadette, for a 12-week internship. The time I spend here is great opportunity for me to observe more closely the priestly life, deepen my relationship with God and with you, all through performing different ministries, praying, having fun, learning about your culture, etc. Fr. Benedykt and Fr. Tonelli have been talking about you a lot and I can’t wait to meeting you all. While I am here, please help me to be formed into a future holy priest of Jesus Christ. Please pray for me, and know that you are all in my prayers!