An Interview with Dcn. Hung Le

April 7, 2025

In July of 2024, Deacon Hung Le was interviewed about his then-recent ordination to the diaconate. You can read that interview here.

Now, in March 2025, Deacon Hung is approaching his ordination to the priesthood on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque.

Deacon Hung was born and raised in a devout Catholic family in northern Vietnam. After earning a bachelor's degree in religious studies in Ho Chi Minh City, he worked for a year before returning to his hometown. There, he spent four years assisting his pastor, which helped him become familiar with the Church's work and discern his vocation to the priesthood. In 2018, he came to the U.S. to enter priesthood formation. He spent three years in Dubuque learning English and studying Philosophy. For the past four years, he has been studying Theology at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.

Deacon Hung, what has your final year of formation looked like?
My final year of formation has been a rich blend of practical and spiritual growth. I’ve been serving in a parish, preaching twice a month at the teaching parish, which has helped me connect theology to real-life ministry. Alongside that, I’ve continued my theological studies to deepen my understanding of our faith, paired with focused preparation for priestly ministry through sacrament practicums.

I’ve also worked on my pastoral skills and leadership abilities, learning from formation sessions at the seminary and the wisdom of trusted priests who’ve guided me. Above all, I’ve kept nurturing my human and spiritual formation, knowing that growing in holiness is essential to serve well as a priest.

Could you talk about some of the impactful experiences during formation that have shaped how you will approach your active ministry?
One of the most impactful experiences in my formation has been realizing the need to renew the priesthood, a vital mission for the Church after past challenges. I’ve seen how a priest’s voice and presence in the community are essential. Without that, it’s hard for faith to grow strong, since priests lead their parishes like heads of a household. This has made me focus on how I should live my priesthood with authenticity and purpose.

Here in Dubuque, I’ve also noticed people’s faith can feel dormant, longing for connection in a busy, complex world. The Church here has deep knowledge but practices faith humbly, which has inspired me to help awaken that sleeping faith. I want to approach ministry with a missionary spirit, sharing the Gospel in simple, fresh ways—what I’ve learned as the new evangelization. It’s about meeting people where they are, listening, and adapting to their needs.
Formation has shown me that priesthood isn’t about forcing anything—it’s about walking with people. I hope to serve humbly, encouraging growth in faith while living a priesthood that rebuilds trust and makes a real difference.

"Formation has shown me that priesthood isn’t about forcing anything—it’s about walking with people. I hope to serve humbly, encouraging growth in faith while living a priesthood that rebuilds trust and makes a real difference."

-Deacon Hung Le on his approach to active ministry

How have you felt supported by those surrounding you as you approach priesthood ordination?
As I approach ordination, I feel truly blessed by the support surrounding me. The Archdiocese, under the guidance of the Archbishops [Zinkula and Jackels], has been an incredible sponsor for my education, leading me with care and wisdom. I’m grateful for so many good priests who’ve prayed for me, taught me, and guided me—helping with everything from small things like using a microwave to understanding the Archdiocese, priesthood, and pastoral life. Their support has made this journey feel possible.

I’ve also been uplifted by people who’ve supported me spiritually, emotionally, and financially, especially since I’ve been far from my family for seven years. Among them, the warm welcome of Vietnamese families and their community has been a special grace—their kindness and generosity have kept me grounded and reminded me of home. The parishes I’ve served in have been a blessing too—the pastors and parishioners welcomed me, took care of me, and taught me so much while I helped in little ways. With the Archbishop’s leadership and everyone’s encouragement, I feel I’m not alone on this path, and that’s a gift I carry with me as I prepare for priesthood.

What aspects of priestly ministry are you looking forward to as you approach ordination?
There are several aspects of priestly ministry that I feel particularly called to. Celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, will be a profound privilege. I look forward to preaching and teaching the faith, helping others to understand and live out the Gospel. Accompanying people in times of joy and sorrow is a sacred trust, and I hope to provide comfort and support in all of life's moments. Lastly, I'm excited about fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life, helping others discern God's call as others have helped me.

What would you say to a man who is considering discerning a vocation to the priesthood?
To a man considering discerning a vocation to the priesthood, I’d say it’s a journey that takes time and patience—it’s not something you rush or figure out alone. You might feel a spark watching priests serve, a quiet pull to live that life yourself. I’d encourage you to get involved—maybe assist a priest in his work—and see how it stirs your heart. Doubts are normal; don’t let them stop you. Lean into prayer and find a spiritual director to guide you through the ups and downs. For me, it was prayer, wise counsel, and hands-on experience that slowly clarified my call.

But it’s not just about what you feel—discernment is a process between you and God, working through the Church. You might sense a calling and want to pursue it your way, but the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has her own discernment for her candidates. The ‘success’ of a vocation comes when these two align—your desire and the Church’s confirmation. So, take it step by step. If you keep seeking and feel a steady peace growing, that’s a sign God is at work. The road may twist, but stay open, and trust where it leads.

What does your prayer life look like as you approach ordination? Are there certain saints or certain prayers that have become especially meaningful to you at this point in your life?
As I approach ordination, my prayer life has become a lifeline, keeping me connected to Christ as I prepare to step into this role. I pray daily for the grace to grow into the priest God’s calling me to be—someone who serves with real compassion and keeps Jesus at the heart of it all. I ask for an open heart, ready for His will, even when it throws curveballs my way, trusting that God’s got plans I might not see coming.

The Rosary is a steady part of it; I lean on Mary’s intercession to guide me through this stretch. St. Vincent Ferrer, my patron saint, and St. Anthony of Padua, my family’s patron, have become close companions—I ask them to pray for me, to help me stay faithful to the Church, love God and people fiercely, chase holiness, and preach with the fire they did. It’s a mix of structured prayer and raw, honest moments where I just lay it all out before God, hoping to be the minister He needs me to be.