Br Luan Le ordained to the Priesthood

 

Capuchin Bishop Joseph Oudeman, auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane, ordained one of his confreres, Br Luan Le OFM Cap to the priesthood on Saturday 3rd July, the feast of St Thomas, the Apostle. For many in attendance, it was their first time witnessing an ordination of a young man who renounced his life for the service of God and His people. Fr Luan’s commitment reassured them that there are still young men willing to give themselves for the service of God.

 
The ordination was celebrated at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Church, Croydon Park, South Australia. There were about 30 concelebrants and about 300 people. Fr Luan was supported by his Capuchin brothers, many whom concelebrated. A number of Capuchin students participated as altar servers, alongside the servers of the parish. Their presence was a great sign of hope, not only for the Capuchin Order, but for the wider Church as well.

 
In his homily, Bishop Joseph recalled how Fr Luan migrated from Vietnam when he was 16 years old and settled in Mansfield Park. He was a member of the parish choir. After graduating with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Fr Luan worked at Port Lincoln hospital. It was here that he discovered his calling to the priesthood. In 2000, Fr Luan left his job and joined the Capuchins. He was 27 years old. Bishop Joseph said, “The journey has been long but it has finally arrived”. He then challenged Fr Luan with a question, “Are you ready for this? Are you ready to become a priest for Christ?” Fr Luan responded with great conviction, “Yes I am!”

 
During the litany of the saints, while Fr Luan was prostrated on the ground, he described that he felt cold and was extremely nervous. “It was an amazing experience. An experience I will never forget,” he said.
In his thank-you speech, Fr Luan thanked all those who have helped and supported him throughout his life and formation. He thanked two of our late Capuchin friars, Fr Hugo De Maria and Fr Denis Ward who was inspirational to him. Fr Hugo taught him Italian and Fr Denis was his student director while he was in Hawthorn.
Fr Luan’s Mass of thanksgiving was also celebrated at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Church, Croydon Park on Sunday 4th July.

 
Fr Luan will serve as assistant priest at Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, NSW. Please pray for Fr Luan as he begins his priestly ministry.