Dominican Father Peter Nguyen, parochial vicar of Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Church in Arlington since 2021, died Feb. 13 at the age of 45.
His death came as a shock to the Holy Martyrs community. Parishioner Jody Tran shared her grief on Instagram: “The passing of Father Peter Nguyen Dinh Phuong, O.P., our beloved former league chaplain is truly heartbreaking, especially when it was so unexpected. Seeing him just last Wednesday — joyful, smiling, and lovingly preparing for the Lunar New Year Festival — makes this news even more difficult to accept. Though we are heartbroken by this sudden loss, we trust that the Lord he served so faithfully has welcomed him into eternal peace. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
After attending the Dominican Center of Studies in Ho Chi Minh City, Father Nguyen earned a degree at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. He made his profession in the Dominican order in 2006 in Bien Hoa, Vietnam, and was ordained a priest in 2014. Father Nguyen served at numerous convents, churches and schools in Vietnam before his assignment at Holy Martyrs.
Visitation will be held at Holy Martyrs, 915 S. Wakefield St., Arlington, Feb. 27-28 from 2 to 9 p.m. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge will offer a Mass of Christian Burial March 3 at 11 a.m. at the same location.
