Divine Word Missionary Fr Cuong Quoc Dang SVD will soon take up his first missionary assignment in Angola following his ordination to the priesthood in Melbourne. Source: In The Word.
Fr Cuong’s journey to a religious vocation began in his home country of Vietnam and continued in Thailand, where he first met the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD), before coming to Australia to complete his studies and formation.
His ordination Mass on September 8, at St Martin de Porres Parish in Melbourne’s Avondale Heights, had the distinction of also incorporating the official opening of the SVD’s 150th Jubilee Year celebrations.
Among the guests at his ordination were Fr Cuong’s mother, who travelled from Vietnam, and Fr Anthony Le Duc SVD who accompanied Fr Cuong as he discerned his vocation in Thailand.
Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Tim Norton SVD presided at the Ordination Mass and was ordaining prelate. He was joined by the Australian Provincial Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, other SVD priests and students, diocesan and visiting clergy.
In his homily, Bishop Norton urged Fr Cuong to draw his faith from Jesus and from the people he serves.
“In order to keep your faith strong and to know how to be a good priest, don’t look at us, we’re not great examples,” Bishop Norton said.
“But turn yourself around and look at them (the people). They are great examples of faith and resilience. And they, including your good mother who is next to you, they are the ones who will really teach you what it is to go out and be that shepherd that you truly wish to be,” he said.
“The Christian life is not about leadership but about followership and it’s the Jesus of our lives that we all follow. It’s not about becoming more and more, but it’s about becoming less and less.”
Speaking afterwards, Fr Cuong said he could not have made it to his ordination without the help and support of many people, including his parents, mentors, and fellow Divine Word Missionaries, as well as the wider community.
“I am profoundly grateful to God for giving me this winding journey of faith to prepare myself for the missionary task ahead,” he said.
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Fr Cuong Dang SVD is ordained a priest and assigned to Angola (In The Word)
