Interview with Deacon Hung Le

By Cassie Bird

On May 24, Deacon Hung Le was ordained for service in the order of the diaconate on his journey to the priesthood. During this one-year period the ordained are often referred to as “transitional deacons” as they are ordained for service while continuing their priestly formation. 

Who is a Deacon?
It is more accurate to ask who a deacon is, rather than to list what a deacon does. As an ordained minister in the Catholic Church, deacons are the first grade/level in the hierarchy of sacred orders. As married or single men, deacons respond to God’s call in their lives by embracing active ministry in the Church through charity, word and liturgy. By doing so, deacons provide an official and sacramental presence of the Church to the faithful. The deacon’s role is to follow the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve.

The deacon's ministry, as Saint John Paul II has said, “is the Church's service sacramentalized. This is at the very heart of the diaconate to which you have been called: to be a servant of the mysteries of Christ and, at one and the same time, to be a servant of your brothers and sisters. That these two dimensions are inseparably joined together in one reality shows the important nature of the ministry which is yours by ordination." (National Directory #36)

Get to know Deacon Hung Le in the interview below as he reflects on his journey to formation and his hopes and prayers for the future.

1. Congratulations on your recent ordination to the transitional diaconate! As a transitional deacon on the formation path to the priesthood, what have been some of the most meaningful experiences or lessons you've encountered during your formation and preparation?
Thank you for the kind words.

The formation process has been deeply transformative. At the seminary and in parishes, I've had the precious opportunity to deepen my prayer life and relationship with God. This time has allowed me to truly listen to God's voice and discern His will for my life. Studying theology and scripture has opened my eyes to the richness of our faith. I've also grown in self-awareness, addressing areas where I need to improve. The fraternity with fellow seminarians has been a source of great support and inspiration. I'm grateful for the guidance of many wise priests, professors, fellow seminarians, and parishioners who have shaped my journey.

2. Can you share a little bit about your background?
I 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, I worked for a year before returning to my hometown. There, I spent four years assisting my pastor, which helped me become familiar with the Church's work and discern my vocation to the priesthood. In 2018, I came to the U.S. to enter priesthood formation. I spent three years in Dubuque learning English and studying Philosophy. For the past three years, I've been studying Theology at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.

3. What experiences helped you decide to enter into formation for the priesthood?
Discerning my vocation was a gradual process filled with prayer, spiritual direction, and life experiences that helped me recognize God's call. Observing priests in their ministry sparked a desire in me to serve in a similar way. As I assisted a priest in his duties, I felt a growing sense of purpose. Of course, I had moments of doubt, but my desire to follow the path to priesthood grew stronger through my experiences in ministry and in prayer. It wasn't always an easy journey, but the peace I felt when considering this vocation ultimately led me to enter formation for the priesthood.

4. What will your formation look like this coming year as a transitional deacon?
My formation will involve serving in a parish and preaching regularly. I'll continue my theological studies, deepening my understanding of our faith. There will be focused preparation for priestly ministry and sacraments. I'll also be developing pastoral skills and leadership abilities. Throughout all of this, I'll continue my human and spiritual formation, recognizing that a priest must continually grow in holiness to serve effectively.

5. What aspects of priestly ministry do you feel particularly called to, or are you looking forward to?
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.

6. What are your hopes or prayers for your formation/ministry this year?
As I look to the year ahead, my hopes and prayers center on growth and service. I pray for the grace to grow more fully into my identity as a minister and future priest, always keeping Christ at the center. I hope to serve people with genuine compassion. I pray for the openness to remain receptive to God's will and grace in my life, knowing that He may have surprises in store for me. Lastly, I hope to build meaningful relationships with fellow deacons and priests, creating a support network that will sustain me in my vocation.