Fr. Vincent Ha: I am among you as one who serves

How did you discern your vocation to the priesthood?  Did your family take any part in it?

Fr. Vincent: I was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, in 1967, during the Vietnam War (1945-1975).  I was the 11th of 13 children.  My parents were very devout Catholics and I was raised in the faith.  From a very early age, I had a strong desire to become a priest.  After the Communists overran South Vietnam at the end of the war (April 30, 1975), they suppressed all churches and it was a very difficult time for me and my family, both economically and spiritually.

At the age of 13, it was obvious to me that the only way for me to become a priest was to leave Vietnam.  On my third escape attempt, I found myself on a small, overcrowded fishing boat in the South China Sea as one of the “boat people”.  After many harrowing experiences in which God saved me from death, I finally arrived at a refugee camp in Indonesia. Several years later, Canada accepted me as a refugee and I landed in Calgary in 1985 at the age of 17. I finally had the freedom to follow my dream of becoming a priest.

I supported myself by working many part-time jobs, after school and on the weekends. I was able to attend St. Mary’s High School in Calgary, graduating in 1988. Following graduation, to discern God’s plan for me, I attended the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC. I again supported myself by working full- and part-time jobs in the summer months in Calgary. After four years in Mission, I earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. During this time, I received my Canadian citizenship.

Following this, I met and was sponsored by the late Bishop Paul O’Byrne to study theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton in preparation for the priesthood.  At the end of my third year in 1996, I was ordained a deacon by the late Bishop O’Byrne, and served as a deacon at Holy Family Parish in St. Albert on weekends while continuing my studies at the seminary. Following my graduation at the end of my fourth year, with a master’s degree in theology, Bishop O’Byrne ordained me by the laying on of hands to be a priest on June 6th, 1997.  As a priest, my motto was, and still is:  “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).

Any spiritual “nuggets” or pearls to share from your years in priesthood ministry?

Fr. Vincent: It is always challenging but it is rewarding. It is a journey. When you are on a highway you see many of these things called milestones. These markers sometimes show just another mile travelled, other times they inform you that you are nearing a location and others that tell you that you have arrived at a destination.

In life, milestones can be similar. I’ve been reflecting a good amount on this milestone of mine. It is 25 years since my ordination to the priesthood in Calgary in 1997 by Bishop O’Byrne. Some may think mostly about their body of work, their accomplishments. For me most of my reflection has been about others in my life over this time.

First and foremost, God has been so central in my life. Since I was a young boy, he has guided my spirit, my energy, my life path. Our Lord has showered me with abundant blessings and gifts. Some of those gifts took time for me to understand their value, or to appreciate them. But unequivocally there was no doubt that they were from God. His gift to me of becoming a priest is part of what we’re celebrating today.

I am thankful to my parents and family. Two of my sisters and my brother have travelled here to join me today. My family helped lay a foundation for me as a Catholic, as a curious and enterprising individual and as a diligent worker. I am very thankful for the abundant giving of themselves that helped me.

I have also been blessed by the Holy Spirit and how he has worked through so many of people of God. I have received the many, many works of charity, of love and understanding, of support and friendship from so many, and from so many other generous kind people that I have met and known over my faith and life journey. While some priests express their chosen vocation as a lonely one, I can say with certainty that has not been my journey.
           
There have been challenges during my time as a priest. Some of those challenges tested my spirit and faith in ways I thought I might not be able to overcome, but our Lord has taken care of me. There is a poem I believe you may have heard, and which I think expresses the grace and protection I’ve received from God and for which I am deeply thankful. That poem is about someone reflecting on their life which was characterized as a walk on a sandy beach and says in part:
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and challenges.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Fr. Vincent: Live your priesthood as it is your first day and last day of your life.

What’s your favourite prayer? 
Fr. Vincent: I have a few favorites prayers: Prayer of Abandonment by Thomas Merton; Ps. 51; Divine Mercy; Book of Sirach.

What’s your go to advice when people ask you, “Father, how do I become closer to Jesus?” 
Fr. Vincent: Study the Scriptures, celebrate and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. Also, have a genuine love and care for the well being of everyone.

Any advice for those discerning a vocation? 
Fr. Vincent: Through prayers ask God to reveal his plan for you and always be attentive and open to recognize and hear God’s plan.

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Fr. Vincent Ha Tuan

Ordained: June 6, 1997 at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Paul O’Byrne

Pastoral Assignments in the Diocese of Calgary

• ​Associate Pastor: St. Patrick’s, Medicine Hat (1997-1998)
• Associate Pastor: Sacred Heart, Calgary (1998-2000)
• Pastor: Sacred Heart Oyen, St. Mary’s, Acadia Valley (2000-2003)
• Pastor: Holy Trinity, Blairmore (2003-2004)
• Pastor: St. Mary’s, Brooks July 31 (2004-2007)
• Pastor: Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore/Banff, February 19 (2007-2008)
• Associate Pastor: Ascension R.C. Parish, Calgary (2009-2011)
• Administrator: St. Augustine, Taber, AB (2011-2012)
• Pastor: St. Augustine and St. Joseph’s, Taber, AB (2012-2016)
• Pastor: Canadian Martyrs, Calgary (2016-2020)
• Pastor: St. James, Okotoks (2020-present)

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Interview conducted by Solomon Ip for Faithfully