Bishop Kevin Vann ordained three new priests on June 10, as our Diocese of Orange prayed together in unity.
PICTURED AT THIS YEAR’S PRIESTLY ORDINATION CELEBRATED ON JUNE 10 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL: FR. BAO THAI, RECTOR OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL, FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN, THE DIOCESE’S VICAR GENERAL AND MODERATOR OF THE CURIA, AUXILIARY BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN, FR. IAN GASTON, FR. DAVID MORENO, BISHOP KEVIN VANN, FR. BENJAMIN NGUYEN, AUXILIARY BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER, BISHOP EMERITUS TOD BROWN AND FR. BRANDON DANG, DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The Ordination Mass, which is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a priest, was celebrated at Christ Cathedral.
Fr. Ian Gaston, Fr. David Moreno and Fr. Benjamin Nguyen were all ordained priests as clergy, religious, family and friends witnessed the occasion.
It was truly a day of faith and of family.
FR. BENJAMIN NGUYEN
“After many years of thinking, praying with you and probably wondering if the day would ever get here,” said Bishop Vann, “Well, you’ve made it. The Lord has brought us to this day.”
FR. IAN GASTON
The candidates chose John 21 for their Gospel reading, which coincidentally is the same Gospel reading Bishop Vann chose for his own ordination which was celebrated on May 30, 1981.
FR. DAVID MORENO
The chapter recounts Jesus appearing to His seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. It was the third time Jesus had revealed Himself following His resurrection. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. (John 21:4-6)
Bishop Vann brought along three of his own Ordination cards and gave them to the three candidates during the Mass.
During his homily, Bishop Vann touched on several important themes of the day.
The first: The Constant Yes.
“The relationship of love that you have with the Lord requires our yes, each day,” stated Bishop Vann. “And our yes with love.”
The second: Miracles.
“I know and priests will tell you this,” said Bishop Vann, “You will find major and minor miracles in your lives and ministries when you least expect it and when you most need it.” “May your hearts and eyes be open to see and find what I call, when God winks at you. Never be surprised when that happens.”
The third: To Bless God.
“Never forget to bless God all the days of your lives of your priestly ministry, even beyond your formal prayers,” said Bishop Vann.
Our Diocese of Orange family prays for newly ordained Fathers Ian, David and Ben. May God grant them continued wisdom and strength of mind, body and heart.
Get to know the new priests of our Diocese!
FR. IAN GASTON
Assignment: St. Irenaeus in Cypress
Fr. Ian was born in Virginia and raised here in Orange
County. He graduated from Servite High School and studied at college for two years before transferring to the seminary.
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Hobby: Hiking
Favorite T.V. Show: “The Chosen”
Favorite Bible Verse: “In many and various ways, God spoke to our Fathers through the Prophets but now He’s spoken through Christ His son.” (A Letter to the Hebrews)
Fun Fact: Apparently, I do a good chimpanzee impression.
First Heard a Calling to the Priesthood?
At age 17 as a senior in high school.
Why Did You Become a Priest? If God was asking me to be a priest, then it was good for me
FR. DAVID MORENO
Assignment: Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove
Fr. David was born in Mexico and came to Orange County five years ago. He’s the youngest in his family.
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Hobby: Karaoke
Favorite Movie: “Meet Joe Black”
Fun Fact: I’m the first one to come to a party and the last one to leave.
First Felt a Calling to the Priesthood?
There were many moments. As a child, I first felt something. Later as I was older and working, I realized I was called to be a priest. So, I quit my job and went into Formation.
Goal and Dream for the Church? My goal and dream for the Church is the goal and dream of Jesus Christ. I hope everybody feels the Love of and mercy of Jesus Christ in their lives.
FR. BENJAMIN NGUYEN
Assignment: St. Kilian in Mission Viejo
Fr. Ben was born in Vietnam. He and his family moved to the U.S., and he grew up in Garden Grove, Orange and Santa Ana. He graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in social work and was employed by the county of Orange for almost 11 years.
Favorite Food: Pho and sushi
Favorite Hobby: Watching movies and also watching sunsets.
Favorite Movie: “The Pursuit of Happyness”
First Felt Calling to the Priesthood? In 2014, on the second Sunday of Easter, I felt the call to the priesthood.
Goal for the Church? I dream about a Church where people will fall in love with the Eucharist, and I hope that I can help people to become a community of faith.