A Newly Ordained Priest&#039;s First Mass

Sunday, May 23, 2021

From Fr. Minh Dinh
I came to the U.S. in 2006. After finishing high school and four years of studying business management, I decided to join the Society of the Divine Word (S.V.D.) with my desire to become a religious missionary. The example of my uncle, who is also an S.V.D. missionary, and a short visit to Thailand to witness the works of the Divine Word Missionaries with people with H.I.V. inspired me significantly to join the S.V.D.

I was in Portugal for a mission for two years (2016-2018) before coming back to Chicago to finish my last years of Theology. After ordination, I will be assigned to an S.V.D. parish in
Toronto, Canada.

I am very proud to say that the community of Queen of All Saint Parish has greatly influenced and encouraged me to remain steadfast in choosing my vocation to become a missionary and join the priesthood. When I was in my last year of studying business, the decision to make a drastic shift to join religious life was not easy at all. It was at Queen of All Saints that I was able to find a prayerful environment, many times with the community in front of the Blessed Sacrament and praying the Rosary after Mass, which allowed me to encounter God’s irresistible call to serve the Church and his people in a way that I could never be able to imagine. That call continued to be nourished and affirmed during my summer breaks from the seminary to visit family in Sauganash. Indeed, it would be insufficient without mentioning the company of the saints and their presence through the magnificent relics in the back of the church. I never forget to ask for their intercessions and protection before leaving the church. No matter where I will be in the future for my mission, the community of Queen of All Saints will always remain in my heart and prayers. - MD