Bishop Michael F. Burbidge installed Dominican Father Thomas Aquinas Anh Hoang Nguyen as pastor of Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Church in Arlington during a joy-filled Mass and reception Aug. 17.
“You are not here by some sort of chance or coincidence but, rather, as God’s plan for you and this parish community,” Bishop Burbidge said in his homily, addressing the new pastor. He encouraged the priest to preach the truth of the Gospel with courage, to serve humbly in imitation of Jesus and to prioritize time each day with the Lord, particularly in the Blessed Sacrament.
During Mass, Father Thomas addressed the congregation in English and Vietnamese, expressing appreciation for their prayers for him and asking them not to stop now.
“This church is your home. Please come and worship God every day in Mass before you go to work. Come to the church (and) say hello to God before you go home,” he said. “The church is always open.”
After Mass, Bishop Burbidge blessed a newly installed shrine to Blessed Carlo Acutis, complete with a first-class relic (hair) from the young man who is expected to be canonized a saint next month and has inspired many Catholic youths. Holy Martyrs parishioner Young Hoang obtained the relic from Acutis’ mother.
