I am the youngest of a family of seven. My family and I immigrated to the U.S in early December of 1995 when I was 11, settling in the town of Montclair at the west end of the San Bernardino Diocese. Not long after we arrived, we were introduced to Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Claremont where we still attend Mass.

I never gave any serious thoughts about becoming a priest when I was growing up. Rather this decision developed when I was in my senior year in high school and matured in my first year of college. Around this time of discernment, I attended several vocation awareness programs that were offered in the L.A. Archdiocese. I went to the 7-11 Ministry Day and other discernment talks.

In addition, I was guided by a seminarian named Hieu Tran who was also studying for the archdiocese. From him, I was able to get in touch with the vocation directors of the archdiocese and from there I began my journey of discipleship.

What got me started thinking about this path was my interaction with a youth group at my parish. I joined the Vietnamese Fatima Youth Group for a couple of years when I was still in high school and remained with them until I left to go to the seminary. What I learned from this youth group sparked an interest in me to participate in the ministries of the Church, and at the same time fostered in me a Marian devotion that was to be the beginning of my spirituality. I was involved in such ministries as working in a soup kitchen, visiting the sick and the homebound, and participating in activities like youth rallies and retreats.

Right now I am completing my junior year in the philosophy program at Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon. This will form a scholastic foundation for theology at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo. My last two years in the seminary have been very fruitful for me and I look forward to the days ahead in serving the people of God.

This is part of a periodic series spotlighting those in formation for priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For information on priesthood, contact the Office of Vocations, (213) 637-7248.