A desire to heal leads to Holy Orders
Fr Tan Nguyen once had dreams of being a doctor.
Growing up in the south of Vietnam, he was the third of four sons in a faithful Catholic family.
But his desire to become a doctor was matched by a draw towards the seminary and after narrowly missing entry to medical school, Fr Tan says the Lord’s call grew stronger.
"I recognised that it is good to heal bodies, but even greater to serve as a ‘doctor for the Lord’, namely a priest who helps heal spiritual wounds and leads souls toward eternal life," he says.
At the end of 2012, he sat the entrance exam to become a pre-seminarian for the Diocese of Xuan Loc. He was accepted with 70 other men, but was required to complete a bachelor’s degree before entering the seminary.
After graduating with a biology teaching degree, he offered himself as a missionary and after meeting Fr David Ranson in 2017, came to Broken Bay in 2018.
After seven years of study at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese.
He says he knows clearly he is meant to be in Australia and serve the people of Broken Bay, helping to heal their souls.
"In parishes, seminary and pastoral placements, I’ve met many carrying quiet burden of faith, strained family relationships, mental-health challenges," he says.
"There, the Lord, in many ways, has shown me the deeper meaning why He brought me here: He needs me to serve His people with even compassion like His. I may not have much to offer, but with a daily ‘yes’, an ordinary witness of faith, I hope to sow small seeds of the Gospel, help build the faith community of Broken Bay, and offer my life for the salvation of souls."
He admits come to Australia has had its challenges, being away from family and adapting to the culture, but seminary life has helped keep focused on his calling.
"The high point has been the liturgy and prayer and that’s really kept me going," he says.
"I’ve been falling in love with the life of prayer. Constantly having conversations with God during the day, especially in mental prayer, silent adoration, and the Office, and the rosary helps me to discern the vocation with more clarity.
"I learned that God’s call one to Holy Orders to serve His Church isn’t a quick idea or an instant feeling that one might feel at a certain moment. It’s a steady longing for something or Someone greater than oneself (perhaps God Himself, His love, or His service).
"Growing in love for the sacraments, especially daily Eucharist and regular confession, taught me how to be loved by Jesus and how to love like Him."
For any young men discerning their vocation, he recommends the same.
"Stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist, in Scripture, and in silent prayer," Fr Tan says.
" In that quiet, ask: ‘What would give me the deepest joy and meaning?’ and ‘What vocation/life does my heart most desire to live that would also help me grow in holiness, for my family, for the Church, and for the world?’
"Do not be afraid to have a little adventure with the Lord. Trust Him. He will surprise you with more than you could ever imagine."
Fr Tan Nguyen was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Broken Bay on 29 April 2026.
