Two men ordained to the priesthood

Father Quan Minh Nguyen, left, and Father Loi Dinh Pham, blessed Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz on the steps of the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville following their ordination to the priesthood May 29. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz ordained Father Quan Minh Nguyen and Father Loi Dinh Pham to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Louisville May 29 at the Cathedral of the Assumption.

In his homily, Archbishop Kurtz asked the men, who come from Vietnam, “Did you picture Louisville, Kentucky?” “Perhaps God did. From the womb of your mother, God had a plan like he had a plan for Jeremiah,” the prophet from the liturgy’s first reading.

The archbishop encouraged the newly ordained priests to bring the “richness” of their formation and everything they’ve learned both in the U.S. and Vietnam to their ministry.

Father Pham is originally from the Diocese of Ha Tinh, Vietnam, and Father Nguyen is originally from the Dioceses of Vinh, Vietnam. Both men started their formation for the priesthood at St. Francis Xavier Seminary in Vinh. They came to the U.S. in 2016 to continue formation.

Archbishop Kurtz said the men were becoming priests “for Jesus Christ forever” and that the priesthood is a “gift,” but not one meant to be used for themselves.

“The gift of the priesthood is meant for the joy of those you serve,” he said.

Father Nguyen is assigned to St. Patrick and St. Boniface churches as associate pastor.

Father Pham is assigned to St. James Church in Elizabethtown, Ky., as associate pastor.

Father Loi Dinh Pham smiled as two priests he selected helped him vest during the ordination rite May 29 at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Father Pham is assigned to St. James Church in Elizabethtown, Ky., as associate pastor. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)
Father Quan Minh Nguyen, promised respect and obedience to Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz and his successors during the presbyteral ordination May 29 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)
Father Quan Minh Nguyen and Father Loi Dinh Pham laid prostrate before the altar during their ordination to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville May 29. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz laid his hands on Father Loi Dinh Pham during the presbyteral ordination May 29 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville. Deacon Dennis Nash and Father Anthony Chandler looked on. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)
Archbishop Joseph E Kurtz smiled at Father Loi Dinh Pham after offering him the Kiss of Peace during the presbyteral ordination May 29 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)
Father Quan Minh Nguyen, left, and Father Loi Dinh Pham knelt as priests in procession laid their hands on them during the ordination rite May 29 at the Cathedral of the Assumption. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)
Father Quan Minh Nguyen, left, and Father Loi Dinh Pham smiled as they stood on the steps of the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville following their ordination to the priesthood May 29. (Record Photo by Ruby Thomas)
Ruby Thomas
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Ruby Thomas
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