It was a blessed last day of summer on Saturday, 28 February at St Mary’s Church in Blenheim, as Joseph Tuan van Nguyen (also known as TJ) was ordained to the Diaconate. In the presence of Archbishop Paull, clergy, family who came all the way from Vietnam, and parishioners, it was an incredible moment marking a commitment to serving the Lord and growing His kingdom here in Aotearoa New Zealand and on earth.
Born in Vietnam, Joseph Nguyen Van Tuan first became aware of his vocation in 2010. While he was working in the garden in a parish where his great-uncle was the parish priest, he met the Passionist there – and this encounter made his future decision to join the Passionist Congregation.
TJ will stay with the Passionist community in Blenheim. He will work pastorally with the Passionist priests in the role of Deacon in the Star of the Sea Parish in Marlborough.
God bless you TJ for taking up this calling – please pray for him and his ministry.
