Father Nhan Le
Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research) (09:36): On Sunday 27 August I joined by local community to celebrate Father Nhan Le of St Martin De Porres parish and St John Bosco’s on his 25 years of ordination to the priesthood. In 1980, at 21 years of age, Father Nhan made a bold decision to escape Vietnam due to the war and communist occupation of the south. With his brother, Father Nhan made a treacherous journey over high seas in a small fishing boat. He said the fishing boat was like a leaf in the raging water, but every morning brought new life and new hope in the raging water. Ten years later Father Nhan’s parents were able to join him, and he was able to join the seminary in 1992, accepted first into Corpus Christi in Clayton before coming across to St John Bosco’s, Niddrie, and St Martin De Porres, Avondale Heights. When describing his vision for the future of the church he says that he wants the kingdom of love, justice, mercy and compassion to extend to all. I will end this statement today with a lovely quote from Father Nhan himself:
Looking back at my life, I can see all is grace. My heart sings of God’s gracious love and praise, “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”
Thank you, Father Nhan, and congratulations on your 25 years of service. You have been an outstanding member of the community in Niddrie and Avondale Heights, and may you have another wonderful 25 years service too.