The Diocese of Parramatta will celebrate a significant moment in the life of the Church on 24 November 2026, when Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv ordains three Holy Spirit seminarians to the priesthood – Deacons Paul Tran, Jeff Hood and Luke Huynh.
The ordination will take place on the Memorial of Saints Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions, Vietnamese martyrs who gave their lives for their faith. The date holds particular significance for the Vietnamese Catholic community including Paul, Luke and Bishop Vincent, all born in Vietnam, and where their faith journeys began.
Three journeys, one calling
Paul Tran: A vocation shaped by faith and service
For Paul Tran, the journey to priesthood began in Vietnam, where faith was an integral part of family life. His five years of seminary formation in Vietnam and a further seven Australia have deepened his commitment to serving God and His people, particularly the poor. His journey reflects a desire to grow closer to Christ and dedicate his life to the service of the Church.
Jeff Hood: A journey of listening and accompaniment
Jeff Hood brings a wealth of professional and pastoral experience to his vocation, having previously worked as a psychologist, psychotherapist, spiritual director and pastoral supervisor. After four years in formation as a Vincentian in his earlier life, Jeff joined the Holy Spirit Seminary in 2023. His experience supporting people through life’s challenges has helped shape his approach to ministry, grounded in listening, compassion and accompanying others.
Luke Huynh: Discovering a call to serve
For Luke Huynh, the idea of becoming a priest emerged during his childhood in Vietnam. After moving to Sydney, he remained active in his faith community, serving as a youth leader in the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement while completing a Bachelor of Accounting. Attending an open day at Holy Spirit Seminary in 2018 helped him recognise his calling, leading him to begin formation for the priesthood and dedicate himself to serving the people of God.
A celebration for the whole Diocese
The ordination of a priest is a moment of great joy for the whole Church. Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Paul, Jeff and Luke will be called to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments and accompany all people through the joys and challenges of life.
The ordination on the memorial of Saints Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions will also recall the courage and witness of those who remained faithful to Christ in the face of persecution.
Canonised by Pope St John Paul II in 1988, the memorial honours 117 men and women including 96 Vietnamese Catholics and 21 missionaries from France and Spain. The group included bishops, priests, religious and laypeople, including a mother of six and a nine-year-old child, reminding us of the faithfulness to Christ lived out by people from every walk of life.
At the heart of this group is St Andrew Dũng-Lạc, a Vietnamese priest who was baptised as a young man, became a catechist and was ordained in 1823. Despite repeated arrests and persecution, he continued his priestly ministry before being beheaded in 1839. His companions likewise refused to renounce their faith, even in the face of imprisonment, torture and death.
Their example offers an ongoing reminder of the strength of faith and the call to give generously of oneself in service to God and others.
All are warmly invited to join in celebrating the ordination of Paul Tran, Jeff Hood and Luke Huynh.
- Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
- Time: 7.30pm
- Venue: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. 1 Marist Place, Parramatta.
- Livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHhEQ1pQ6K4
