Bishop Gerald Barnes and Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego were joined by dozens of priests, religious and Catholic faithful in filling Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral to celebrate the ordination of Father Kieu on May 30.
“It is a great honor and privilege for me to ordain you today, knowing all that you have gone through in your life,” Bishop Barnes said. “God must love you so much.”
In his homily, Bishop Barnes invited the faithful to reflect on their baptismal call and encouraged them to remain connected to the Lord.
“My hope is that we as a Church might answer the call to be a missionary Church; that we might always take the life of Christ and the Gospel of the Lord with us out into the world,” he said. “If we don’t stay connected to the Lord, the mission will fail.”
He praised Fr. Kieu for his courage and resilience over the years and thanked those involved in his formation and preparation for the priesthood.
“May all the good that has come to you be poured out in loving service to God’s people,” Bishop Barnes said. “For that is why we are here. We are to be humble servants of the Lord.”
Following the Rite of Ordination and celebration of the Eucharist, Fr. Kieu offered his first blessing upon the Bishops and his mother before addressing those gathered.
“I am joyful because I have surpassed many struggles and difficulties to reach this moment,” Fr. Kieu said. “Bishop Barnes made me feel at home and welcomed in this Diocese.”
Fr. Kieu thanked those involved in his formation and preparation for the priesthood, including those at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio and the Society of the Divine Word.
“I thank my friends and family and all who have helped me during my formation years. Thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you for your support.”
During the Mass Bishop Barnes announced Father Kieu’s first assignment will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Indio.