The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom; his tongue speaks what is right.

Greetings from Vietnam!

I have a privilege to have two places on earth to call home. One is in Bảo Định, Long Khánh, Việt Nam where I came from and the other is in Houston, Texas, USA where I have been living two-thirds of my life. I am just as close to the family here in Vietnam as I am to the family I have in the United States. There is a saying “Home is where the heart is.” I personally believe that this saying could not be more true. Home is where you feel comfortable, where you feel welcome. It is not only a place where you can confide in people around you but also a place where wisdom and multiple life-story were shared. Additionally, it is a place where you experience both joy and sadness, failure and success. It’s truly so to speak, the “domestic church.” (Lumen Gentium #11) This means that in this context that I first learn who God is and to prayerfully seek His will for me. I am truly blessed to grew up in a family where we pray rosary as a family, go to Holy Mass daily, certainly say grace before meals, consecrate to God first thing in the morning, and prayer of thanksgiving before bed. We have a crucifix in a prominent place in our home, and religious picture in every bedroom. Adults participate in the lay ministries and activities of your parish community and children are enrolled in various functions to serve at church and around the community. As this domestic church means so much to me, I invite you to reflect on what “domestic church” means to you and find ways to make more room for God.

May the most Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph be a perpetual guest in your home.

Peace in Christ ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen