Father Peter Nguyen shared an elementary school, prison, and boat with Bishop Joseph Nguyen



Father Peter Hoan Nguyen calls himself Bishop Joseph Nguyen’s “geographical Siamese twin” to illustrate how close their two lives have been (and to differentiate between himself and Father Peter Tuyen Nguyen, Bishop Joseph’s biological brother).

Father P.H. Nguyen recently chatted with The B.C. Catholic about how his life and Bishop Nguyen’s have intersected over the years across two continents.

The B.C. Catholic: Tell me a little bit about your life and how you decided to come to Canada.

Father P.H. Nguyen: I grew up in a village called Ha Lan A, Dak Lak, Vietnam. I left Vietnam by boat in April 1986 and was rescued by the Cap Anamur and taken to the Refugee Camp in Palawan, Philippines. Being in the Refugee Camp and having no relatives in other countries, I could not decide where to go. However the Diocese of Kamloops sponsored me, and I came to Kamloops May 27, 1987.

BCC: How did you meet Father Joseph Phuong Nguyen?

FPHN: He and I seem like “geographical Siamese twins.” We grew up in the same village, went to the same church, elementary school, minor seminary, were in the same boat, prison cell, refugee camp, and even a car accident together, and finally, attended the same major seminary, Christ the King, in Mission, B.C.

As young seminarians, one of the most challenging times of our life was working on a communist chicken farm. I don’t know why the rector sent only two of us to work on this farm. We worked during the day, Monday to Friday and then went back to “a house” attached to the bishop’s house to pray and study in the evening.

We have been together in joys, sorrows, struggles, and challenges of life for many years.

Geographically we separated only after our priestly ordination: he went to Vancouver and I to Kamloops. From Aug. 25 on we are together again, in the diocese of Kamloops, serving God and His people.

I now hope we will also have time for skiing, fishing, and golfing. Bishop Joseph Phuong is a good golfer! However, it is a time for him to learn and to enjoy a new thing: skiing! Kamloops Diocese is famous for places to ski: Whistler, Sun Peaks, Silver Star, and Troll Mountains.

Our life-story is truly a mysterious one!

BCC: Why did you decide to become a priest?

FPHN: When I was growing up, the church was the centre of the village and my mysterious place. In the church I often felt “something” that was so sacred and mystical.

There was a sense of mystery in the church, in people, especially in the priest, who was often in a black soutane: walking, speaking, acting and doing mysteriously what I could not understand and I wanted to know.

For some unknown reason I was so fascinated and attracted to this “mysterious sense and feeling of sacredness” in and around the church. Then one day I was surprised to be chosen to be the altar server, which I happily and joyfully carried out.

Later on, about July 1968, my Dad took me into town for the exam to go to the minor seminary. I passed and entered the seminary. I loved being in the seminary and slowly learning more about my priestly vocation.

My priestly journey was a long, tough, and challenging one. It began in September 1968 at St. Paul Le Bao Tinh’s Minor Seminary in the Diocese of Ban Me Thuot, Vietnam, then on to the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C. in September 1987, and miraculously being fulfilled in Kamloops, in Sacred Heart Cathedral, on Saturday, June 1, 1991, by Bishop Lawrence Sabatini. June 1, 2016, was my 25th anniversary.

BCC: How do you feel about the refugees from the Middle East, having to take a journey similar to yours many years ago?

FPHN: It is so sad to see so much conflict, atrocities, and suffering around the world because of war, especially in Middle East with the refugees. I always have faith in the goodness of humanity.

On June 1, 2016, my 25th anniversary, I received good news: Father Joseph Phuong Nguyen would be the new Bishop of Kamloops, and sad news: Mr. Rupert Neudeck, a German Catholic, the co-founder of Germany-based humanitarian aid group Cap Anamur, had died on May 31.

His Cap Anamur rescued and helped more than 10,000 Vietnamese boat people. He was indeed to me and to Bishop Nguyen a good Samaritan.

I do hope and pray these refugees will soon receive better help and support, and that every country will have a good government truly and generously committed to the well-being of the people.

BCC: What is your life like now?

FPHN: Since July 31, 2014, I have been the pastor of St. Ann’s in Quesnel. I wake up every morning with deep gratitude to God for His blessings and to many others for their generosity.

My story is a story of Canadian generosity. This country, and the diocese of Kamloops, have given me a new life.