Meet Newly Ordained Fr. Michael Thien Hoang, C.Ss.R.
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August 11, 2023Congratulations to Fr. Michael Thien Hoang, who was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin on July 29.
Family members and friends joined Provincial Superior Kevin Zubel and Provincial Vicar Aaron Meszaros at Vietnamese Martyrs Church in San Antonio for the celebration. Redemptorists from throughout the North American Conference and members of other religious institutes also participated.
Fr. Thien’s ordination marked the culmination of a journey that began nine years ago. He met then-Archbishop Tobin at a Student Gathering that year. “Like all of the other Redemptorists, he was very approachable, and it was obvious he was authentic and really enjoyed being with people. I was a little awestruck by his humility,” Fr. Thien said.
“Cardinal Tobin presiding at my ordination emphasizes that I have been ordained to serve – to walk alongside people and lead by example rather than just pontificate at the pulpit. His presence will always be a great source of inspiration and motivation in my ministry.”
Fr. Thien spent his diaconate year in New Orleans experiencing many facets of ministry, from preaching and presiding at baptisms, weddings and funerals to teaching religious education and serving on various parish committees. But this newly ordained priest is most overjoyed that he is now able to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist daily with and for the People of God.
“I am grateful to God for all the graces He has showered upon me, most especially the love and support of my confreres, my friends and my family,” he said.
Looking toward the future, he draws inspiration from Sr. Thea Bowman, who once said, ‘Remember who you are, and whose you are.’ “If I can do that, I believe I can truly proclaim with conviction, ‘Let it be done to me according to Your will,’” he said.
