UCA News
Contribute

Vietnamese priest recalls his wartime odyssey

Surrounded by walls of water, Father Pham says his faith sustained him
Vietnamese priest recalls his wartime odyssey
Published: February 12, 2016 08:22 AM GMT
Updated: February 12, 2016 08:23 AM GMT

In the midst of the literal storm, Father Joseph Pham found himself at peace.

"I prayed, surrendered myself to God, and trusted him. I was calm," he said, recalling fleeing Vietnam on a small boat on his way to America.

Describing his experience, the U.S.-based Father Pham had his Camden, N.J., audience fully engaged, at the Collegium Center for Faith and Culture on Feb. 5, reported the Catholic Star Herald, the Camden diocesan newspaper.

Father Pham shared his story of growing up under a communist regime and the faith that brought him to the United States.

Growing up in South Vietnam, his town was invaded by the northern communist government. His father was arrested, and placed in a concentration camp.

After his father's release, Father Pham's parents knew that if their children were to have a life of freedom, it wouldn't be in Vietnam.

Fleeing on a boat, he and his 11 family members encountered raging seas, with walls of water on either side. Huddled in a corner of the vessel, Father Pham prayed.

The seas got calmer, and soon the family found themselves at a refugee camp in Malaysia and, later, in Philadelphia (his family still resides there) in 1987. Father Pham was 19 years old.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia