VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) - A man who was living in a refugee camp in the Philippines more than 20 years ago is now the pastor at a Catholic church in Mississippi.
The Vicksburg Post reports the Rev. Joseph Nguyen was installed Sunday as the 18th pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg.
In 1991, the Vietnam native was waiting at the refugee camp with family members to come to the U.S. Now, Diocese of Jackson Bishop Joseph Kopacz has placed him to succeed the retired Rev. Malcolm O’Leary.
Nguyen says he was inspired to enter the priesthood by the dedication to serve others shown by two missionary priests at the camp.
Nguyen arrived stateside in 1993. He was ordained in 2008, and came to St. Mary’s in September. It’s his first pastor assignment.
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Information from: The Vicksburg Post, http://www.vicksburgpost.com
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