Fr Cuong Quoc Dang SVD will soon take up his first missionary assignment in Angola following his ordination to the priesthood in Melbourne this month.
Cuong’s journey to a religious vocation began in his home country of Vietnam and continued in Thailand, where he first met the SVD, before coming to Australia to complete his studies and formation.
His ordination Mass, at St Martin de Porres Parish in Melbourne’s Avondale Heights, had the distinction of also incorporating the official opening of the SVD’s 150th Jubilee Year celebrations.
Among the guests at his ordination were Cuong’s mother, who travelled from Vietnam, and Fr Anthony Le Duc SVD who accompanied Cuong as he discerned his vocation in Thailand.
Fr Anthony’s ministry includes serving Vietnamese Catholic migrants in Bangkok. Witnessing Fr Anthony’s commitment to accompanying and empowering the marginalised, broadened Cuong’s understanding of priestly ministry, transcending traditional pastoral roles to encompass advocacy and social justice.
Witnessing these outreach activities helped Cuong to understand more fully the nature of missionary work as an act of serving the marginalised and fostering a sense of solidarity with those in need. He understood more deeply the transformative impact of collective efforts in addressing systemic injustices and fostering community empowerment.
In 2016, Cuong decided to apply to the Society of the Divine Word, Australia Province as a postulant. He was accepted by the SVD admission board and entered the formation program as the first Vietnamese migrant worker in Thailand to be accepted. Cuong spent the following year learning English before his journey continued through the Philippines for Novitiate. Here, he took his first vows as a Divine Word Missionary. He then went on for theology studies in Australia, where he professed his final vows, and has now been ordained a priest.
Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Tim Norton SVD presided at the Ordination Mass and was ordaining prelate. He was joined by the Australian Provincial Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, other SVD priests and students, diocesan and visiting clergy.
In his homily, Bishop Tim urged Cuong to draw his faith from Jesus and from the people he serves.
“In order to keep your faith strong and to know how to be a good priest, don’t look at us, we’re not great examples. But turn yourself around and look at them (the people). They are great examples of faith and resilience. And they, including your good mother who is next to you, they are the ones who will really teach you what it is to go out and be that shepherd that you truly wish to be,” he said.
“The Christian life is not about leadership but about followership and it’s the Jesus of our lives that we all follow. It’s not about becoming more and more, but it’s about becoming less and less.”
During the Rite of Ordination, after enquiring of Fr Rass that Cuong had been found worthy to be ordained, Bishop Tim asked Cuong to indicate his willingness and commitment to the priestly vows and layed his hands on Cuong’s head, invoking the Holy Spirit. Following his ordination, Cuong was vested in his priestly garments by his mother and Fr Anthony.
Fr Rass said the dual celebration of Cuong’s ordination and the start of the Sesquicentenary Year was a special moment.
“On this special occasion of Deacon Cuong’s priestly ordination, the SVDs are launching a year-long celebration towards our Sesquicentennial celebration of 150 years of missionary presence and mission through which the Holy Spirit has placed ourselves at the disposal of the Church to help all accomplish its missionary task,” he said.
“We thank the Triune God for his loving dedication as we continue to respond kindly to the needs of the wounded world, guided and trusting in the Holy Spirit.”
Speaking afterwards, Cuong said he could not have made it to his ordination without the help and support of many people, including his parents, mentors, and fellow Divine Word Missionaries, as well as the wider community.
"I am profoundly grateful to God for giving me this winding journey of faith to prepare myself for the missionary task ahead,” he said.
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Cuong Dang SVD is ordained by Bishop Tim Norton SVD.
MIDDLE LEFT: Cuong with his mother, fellow SVDs and other clergy following his ordination.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Cuong, right, with his mother who travelled from Vietnam for the occasion, and Bishop Tim Norton SVD.