February 9 was a special day for Catholic people in north-central Vietnam, and in the life of Fr Kinh Nguyen. The reason: Fr Kinh celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving!
Thousands of people attended the bright, colourful morning Mass. Archbishop Paul and Fr Ron Bennett were also there to accompany Fr Kinh on this special occasion.
The Mass was celebrated at Hoi Yen Church, Hoi Yen Parish, in the Diocese of Vinh, Nghe An, Vietnam. It’s where Fr Kinh is from, having been born and raised there until leaving for university in 2011. His family still lives there, too.
“Although I had already celebrated many Masses before returning home for the Thanksgiving Mass, I still felt quite nervous at the beginning,” says Fr Kinh.
“Celebrating Mass in front of my loved ones and the people who have known me since I was little felt somewhat surreal. They know me very well, and I know them well too, so it was a unique feeling that is quite hard to describe.
“Above all, I felt deeply loved and supported by everyone. I was especially grateful to have Archbishop Paul, Fr Ron, and some of my Vietnamese brother priests who are ministering in New Zealand there to support me on that special occasion.”
Fr Kinh was ordained at Sacred Heart Cathedral by Archbishop Paul in July 2025. He is currently Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity Parish in Wellington’s eastern suburbs.
God bless you Fr Kinh!
