A New Source of RCC Priests -- Vietnam



For whatever reason, America has long depended on foreign born priests, Irish ones in particular. But that Irish boom is now over, and interestingly enough the new source seems to be Vietnam. Though Asians make up only 1% of Roman Catholics, they contribute 12% of seminarians (mostly Vietnamese).

An interesting LA Times article focuses on this trend and what it means for the American Church. Though there is some concern among some Catholics about the language differences, these Vietnamese priests are bringing vitality and commitment to the churches they serve. For Vietnamese Catholics, the priesthood is among the highest professions, worthy of respect and worthy of entrance into. This may explain their increasing numbers.

At 63, Father Eamon O'Gorman is the youngest Irish-born priest in the Diocese of Orange and, he says, one of the last participants in the ecclesiastical immigrant wave from that country that ended in the 1970s.

He also is nearing retirement."I am inspired by the Vietnamese priests with whom I serve," O'Gorman said in a thick Irish brogue.

"There's a level of devotion, an enthusiasm for what they do and a desire to keep their culture intact."

He is energized by witnessing the parallels between his own immigrant experience and theirs.

"I look at the Vietnamese and can very much see them as the new Irish," he said. "I don't think their experience will be that different."

Comments

Popular Posts