On the evening of 11 April 2026, the Diocese of Parramatta celebrated with profound joy and thanksgiving as Luke Huynh was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta.
The Holy Trinity Church of the Holy Cross Parish Granville was filled to capacity with well-wishers, including priests and deacons, the Holy Spirit Seminary Rector Fr Paul Marshall, Vice-Rector Fr John Frauenfelder, as well as seminary staff and fellow seminarians.
The liturgy was filled with Easter hope, reflecting both the journey that had brought Luke to this moment and the promise of what lies ahead.
As Bishop Vincent reflected in his homily:
“Your ordination today brings joy, hope and renewal to us. The Church here and beyond is reinvigorated by your passion for the Gospel and enriched by your gifts. Your fellow clergy and God’s people are strengthened by your companionship. May your work for the faith in Jesus Christ be blessed abundantly.”
Deacon Luke Huynh lies prostrate in front of the altar during his ordination to the diaconate. Image: Donna Laurianto/threetwoone photography
Fr John Frauenfelder echoed this spirit of joy and renewal, drawing attention to the deeper meaning of the celebration as one shared by the whole Church.
“We are not individuals, but a people who are one… one in the Body of Christ,” he reflected, highlighting the unity that bound together all present – including Luke’s family joining from afar – in this moment of grace.
Fr John affirmed that vocation is nurtured in community and ultimately lived out in service – “not to be served, but to serve” – grounded in the same prayer that continues to guide Luke’s journey:
“Here I am, Lord. I come to do Your will.”
Also among the congregation were a group from the Vietnamese Chaplaincy, the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, the Ephpheta Centre, the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the World, and a multitude of family and friends as well as parishioners from St Oliver Plunkett Harris Park and others from around the Diocese of Parramatta.
The Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the World, who reside in Holy Cross parish. Image: Donna Laurianto/threetwoone photography
A “Yes” Born from Longing and Trust
Luke’s journey is one shaped by faith, persistence, and a deep inner search for meaning. “After experiencing a God-saving moment at 12 years old, I said ‘yes’ to exploring my faith and dedicating myself seriously to the Catholic faith and service,” he said.
Yet, like many, his path was not without struggle. Moving to Australia from Vietnam as a student brought challenges of language, culture, and a busy life that distanced him from active faith.
“The first eight months in Australia were difficult for me, with studying, adjusting to the culture, working, and especially learning a new language. I tried my best to organise my life in the new environment. As I delved into a busy life, my dedication to the Church was weakened.”
Image: Donna Laurianto/threetwoone photography
After a time, however, something deeper began to stir within Luke – a quiet but persistent longing that he could no longer ignore.
“I felt a very strong thirst to continue my vocation… I began to pray for hours to resettle my life.”
In 2016, a providential encounter with Sister Therese at Lakemba Church became a turning point. Through her, Luke was reintroduced to the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement – an experience that reignited his sense of purpose.
“My vocation and life took a completely different direction. I quit my job on Sunday to serve the Thieu Nhi (children) at Lakemba,” he recalls.
After two years of dedicated service, Sister Therese introduced Luke to Fr Chris De Souza in August 2018, who invited him to attend the “Come and See” program – an opportunity for young men to pray, discern, and get a glimpse into the life of a seminarian.
This moment proved decisive.
“After ‘Come and See’, I felt a deep joy and trust in God’s providence, love, and guidance. I began to pray that wherever He would like me to go, please take my hands and guide me.”
What may have seemed like small, ordinary encounters became, in truth, moments of grace – gently but firmly leading Luke back onto the path of his vocation. In time, that journey found its home in the seminary.
“By divine providence, I was accepted into the Holy Spirit Seminary,” he says – marking the beginning of a new and deeply committed chapter in his call to the priesthood.
Formed by Faith, Family, and Culture
Luke’s vocation is deeply rooted in the witness of his family and the richness of his Vietnamese heritage.
Margaret Tuyet Van Ta, Luke’s mother, recalls how, as a child, he chose to draw a church – an image that quietly hinted at the path ahead.
Today, she radiates a quiet pride as she anticipates the next steps of Luke’s sacred journey.
“In Vietnamese culture, when a son becomes a priest, it is a great honour for a family.”
“We always pray that the Holy Spirit transforms every corner of your life and of your heart. May the Holy Spirit illuminate you to step firmly on this vocation that God has chosen for you.”
Luke himself recognises the profound influence of his upbringing.
“Humility, simplicity, endurance, kindness, welcoming, respect, and caring are the weight of Vietnamese tradition. This welcoming attitude influenced my way of being and my dream to be a priest,” he said.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and Deacon Luke Huynh. Image: Donna Laurianto/threetwoone photography
A Witness of Faith in Everyday Life
Long before his ordination, Luke had already become a quiet witness of Christ in the lives of those around him, most notably at St Oliver Plunkett, Harris Park, where he currently ministers.
“He is a kind and compassionate person who consistently shows genuine care for everyone he meets,” said Mary Armao, a parishioner at St Oliver Plunkett.
Another parishioner at Harris Park, Victoria Micalizzi, notes that Luke’s warmth is impossible to miss. “Luke has such a friendly, happy, and helpful nature,” she said. “We became friends immediately.”
A Man “At Home” in Parish Life
Luke’s growth throughout his seminary formation has been both visible and deeply impactful.
Fr Paul Marshall reflects on this movement “from institutional study to immersion into the life and challenges of parish life.”
“Luke is ‘at home’ with people,” Fr Paul said. His “extravert and light-hearted approach to life,” combined with “witty humour”, allows him to connect easily across all ages. But beyond his personality lies a deeper strength – his ability to lead and serve in the realities of parish life.
Deacon Luke Huynh embraced by a parishioner following his ordination to the diaconate. Image: Donna Laurianto/threetwoone photography
From coordinating liturgy and music ministry to guiding others through the RCIA process, Luke has embraced responsibility with generosity.
“He believes that the Holy Spirit is working in him throughout all his pastoral encounters,” Fr Paul said.
Fr John Frauenfelder observes that “Luke learned Auslan because of his love for the deaf”, highlighting a dedication to inclusion that defines the new deacon.
“Every second Saturday he gives up his day off and, unannounced, spends the day with a group of young people collecting and distributing goods for St. Vincent de Paul,” he said.
Deacon Luke Huynh celebrates with his aunty and uncle. Image: Donna Laurianto/threetwoone photography
Formed by Community, Sustained by Gratitude
One of the most moving moments of the evening came through Luke’s own words of thanksgiving – a reflection marked by humility, joy, and deep gratitude.
“My heart overflows with joy and compassion for your support and guidance always,” he said, acknowledging the countless individuals and communities who have accompanied him along the way, from family and formators to parishioners, friends and the Diocese.
His message was not only one of thanks, but also of unity, as he prayed: “May the love of Christ bind us together and sanctify this moment of our lives.”
Rewatch the joyful ordination of Luke Huynh to the diaconate on the Diocesan Youtube Channel.
View images from Luke ordination below.
