Father Tong Nguyen received his Licentiate in Canon Law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada on Dec. 28.
It is an achievement that he says will strengthen his ministry in the Diocesan Office of Canonical Services.
“This advances my understanding of the nature of annulments and the practice of canon law,” he said. “Thank you for your prayers.”
Fr. Nguyen began his ministry in the Office of Canonical Services as an auditor and case instructor in 2016. Two years later he began his studies to earn a Canon Law degree through an online program at St. Paul University. He was determined in his studies and actually finished them a year early, notes Father David Andel, Judicial Vicar for the Diocese and Director of the Office of Canonical Services.
“It was challenging because it was an online program and because he took extra classes in order to cut the time of studies from four years to three,” Fr. Andel said. “Fr. Tong had already been doing great work in Canonical Services, but now with his J.C.L., he’ll be able to judge annulment cases and offer more advice to the parishes and the Diocese.”
Fr. Nguyen said his early years in the Office of Canonical Services gave him a good foundation in pursuit of his Canon Law degree.
“I brought along with me a strong grasp of fundamentals at the Tribunal, unique but relevant work experience, along with a desire and enthusiasm to learn,” he said.
When his Canon Law degree is conferred in June, Fr. Nguyen will become a judge on the Office’s Tribunal staff. This is especially good news, says Fr. Andel, because many of the priests who are serving as judges on the Tribunal are aging and retired.