‘Ordination was a splendid occasion,’ Franciscan prelate says
The B.C. Catholic
Bishop Joseph Nguyen’s “ordination was a splendid occasion,” one bishop said. “I thought it was remarkable, the number of people at the gathering, it was such a marvellous display!”
Bishop John Corriveau, OFM, of Nelson was reflecting on the joyous occasion of the province’s first Asian-Canadian episcopal ordination.
He was especially impressed by the amount of support shown for Bishop Joseph Nguyen by the Kamloops diocese, both the lay people and the priests. “Kamloops is even smaller than the Diocese of Nelson, but to have that participation of the faithful speaks both of the people and their new bishop.”
More than 2,000 people and more than 100 priests and bishops attended the ordination on Aug. 25.
“I felt this was a wonderful welcome on the part of the priests of the diocese,” he said. “I found the welcome very hopeful. He’s got as much pastoral experience as I’ve got.”
Bishop Stephen Jensen of Prince George was also confident in Bishop Nguyen’s abilities. “He’s an experienced pastor, so I think he will be fine because of his time with people and parishes” in Vancouver, he said.
Kamloops “is a different diocese than Vancouver, but it will be the same kind of ministry for him, and I think he’ll do very well at it.”
“I think it’s great in British Columbia the bishops and priests reflect the ethnic makeup of the Church,” Bishop Jensen said. “We have plenty of Asian Catholics, and now we have an Asian bishop, so I think that’s a bonus.”
The Prince George prelate said he thought Bishop Nguyen’s previous experience as the vicar general and director of vocations of the Vancouver archdiocese had prepared him for his new role as bishop.
“Bishop Joseph is a great fit, and he will do very well. People in Kamloops are blessed to have him.”
