My name is Peter Nguyen, I was born on June 10, 1991, in the countryside of central Vietnam. I come from a large family, with five sisters and three brothers, and I am the youngest. My parents were farmers, growing traditional rice and various vegetables, and I am happy to have grown up in such a loving Catholic family.  

We regularly attended Mass on Sundays and often during the week. When I was a boy, I became an altar server at my parish, which changed my life forever.  Living with a priest and others at the rectory significantly helped me to cultivate my personality. 

I pursued a degree in Social Work at the university. I chose this major because I like to work and interact with different people from different places around my country who also have different ways of living. When I work and interact with people, it teaches me to become a better person. After graduating in 2016, I volunteered with Caritas Vietnam, a Catholic organization which helps the poor in Vietnam. 

By the grace of God and the help from many people, I was accepted by the Diocese of Joliet and arrived in the United states in August 2019 where I found a welcoming parish community. 

I completed my Philosophy degree at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and I am currently in my first year of Theology at Mundelein Seminary.

I am so thankful to be part of the Joliet Diocese and am very willing to do what it takes to know God’s will for my life and serve this wonderful community.