Greetings from Sáng Đức Bùi

Hello, my name is Sáng Đức Bùi. I am a 6th year seminarian at Holy Spirit Seminary in Banyo and I am studying to become a priest for the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

I came to Australia in 2017 at the invitation of Archbishop Mark Coleridge after he visited Vietnam and met with the Vietnamese Bishops and me.

My family consists of six people: my parents, two younger brothers, a youngest sister and myself. I grew up in a poor village in the HaTinh province and coming to Australia was the first time I left my homeland Vietnam. I came here without knowing how to speak any English, and the Australian culture was very foreign to me.

I spent six months learning English at Australian Catholic University (ACU) and then I spent time at Caloundra during the Christmas seasons in 2017 and 2018. I was accepted into Holy Spirit Seminary and began studies at ACU in 2018.

I completed my Bachelor of Theology and Philosophy degree, and I also have commenced the second year of a Masters Degree in Theological Studies. This year typically marks our year-long internship and we are designated a parish placement chosen by the Seminary and the Archbishop of Brisbane.

I come to this parish not just to experience it, but to learn from the experience. Through my internship here at the parish, I hope to understand more about the pastoral tasks of a priest, both spiritually and physically. For example, how a priest humbly exercises power, authority, leadership and is a servant in the mission of the Church.

I also look forward to exploring parish activities and parish culture. From Father Josh, Priests and the Parish Staff, to the schools I visit and the parishioners I meet, this experience will be very valuable for me as you will all shape the image I have of the priesthood before I get ordained. I am very happy to be on pastoral placement here at OLR Parish this year. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you.

God bless you all

Sáng