(This is the first in a three-part series on ethnic apostolates in north Georgia. We begin with Vietnamese Catholics.)

By Mary Beth Marino

He entered the seminary at the age of 13 in Saigon, Viet Nam.

He was ordained in 1966 at the Saigon Cathedral. He was then assigned as principal of Saint Monica’s High School in Long Nong Khank, Viet Nam.

In 1968, Father Francis Pham Van Phuong traveled to America as an exchange student, earning a Master’s Degree in Education at Fairfield University in Hartford, Connecticut. While Father Francis’ life was taking shape in America, the Communists were taking full control of South Viet Nam.

The small bubbly priest became depressed and fearful. “My parents and four brothers and two sisters will still in Saigon and I hardly heard from them,” he sadly recalled. Eleven years would pass before he would see his brother, 25-year-old Luc Dinh Pham, and sister, Ledung This Pham, 21 years old.

A new surge of hope took place in Father Francis when the first refugees arrived in the United States.

In 1976, Father Francis met Atlanta pastor Father Richard Morrow, who was giving a mission in Connecticut. “Father Morrow was responsible for my assignment in Georgia,” Father Francis said.

He arranged a meeting with Archbishop Thomas Donnellan and the directorship of the Vietnamese Apostolate was born. Father Francis was assigned to St. John the Evangelist church in Hapeville.

Atlanta housed approximately 700 refugees in 1976; this number has escalated to 2,000 in 1983.

Father Francis helped community workers by interpreting for the refugees. A federal agency was soon opened as a result of his work.

“My objective is to acquaint the refugees with American culture and traditions, while trying to preserve our own,” he said.

“It is a custom to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year by holding festivals including a festive dance bursting with excitement and color! The Vietnamese women enter a dance contest called “Ao-Dai”. They must make their own long dresses and compete for prizes. We also have a traditional dance we call the “Unicorn Dance” symbolizing luck and happiness,” Father Francis explained.

Father Francis works hard to bring the service of his priesthood to many. He feels he is doing God’s will by helping the refugees. “I want to bring my people to a more personal relationship with God, and instill also in them, a conviction regarding their faith. I want to promote an internal motivation behind their acts of worship and service.”

The refugees are good neighbors and fastidious workers. They offer a sign of hope to others. “We all need to see the Providence of God in our lives,” Father Francis said. With a grim expression on his face he added, “Never take your freedom for granted.”

Father Francis is very active with his Vietnamese youth group. They go on several field trips a year exploring the history of Georgia. The ambitious priest is also the Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts.

Father Michael Woods, pastor of St. John the Evangelist parish, said Father Francis is “truly dedicated to his apostolate.” It was apparent that the quick-witted Irish priest and the easy going Vietnamese priest, found common ground and comfortable wit surpassing any language barrier!

Father Francis celebrates a Mass in his native language each Saturday in St. John’s at 4 p.m. He invites “one and all” to come and experience a Vietnamese liturgy celebrated with great fervor and spirit. “They will love it,” said the unique priest with a big smile. “Besides, they can fulfill their Sunday obligation with us!”