WORCESTER___Reverend Phuong Van Nguyen, 39, temporary adminstrator of Our Lady of Vilna Church and Diocesan Director of the Vietnamese Apostolate, died Good Friday April 9 after his canoe capsized at Browning Pond, Spencer.
In addition to his brother priests, he leaves his father, Ra Van Nguyen; his brothers Diep, Don, Hoa Nguyen and brother-in-laws, Xuyen Quach, Jimmy Nguyen, Tan Phan, Tai Nguyen and Joseph Nguyen; sisters Sang, Anh, Ha, Nga, Hanh, Phuc Nguyen and sister-in-laws Cuc Chau, Thu-Van Dinh and Hoa Nguyen and twenty six nieces and nephews. He was born in Vietnam, his mother, Tao Vo died July 22, 2002.
Rev. Nguyen was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Worcester on June 5, 1993 and was then assigned to Christ the King Church as associate pastor. In 1995 he was named part-time Diocesan Director of the Vietnamese Apostolate while continuing at Christ the King Church. On June 14, 2002 he was named temporary administrator of Our Lady of Vilna Church and oversaw the transition of the Vietnamese Ministry from St. John’s Church to Our Lady of Vilna.
He received his Masters of Divinity from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J. and his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from St. Andrews College, South Orange.
The funeral will be held on Saturday April 17 with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Vilna Church, 151 Sterling St. Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly will be the Principal Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.Calling hours in Our Lady of Vilna Church are Thursday April 15 and Friday April 16 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A wake service will be held Friday April 16 at 7 p.m. in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Vilna parish, 153 Sterling St., Worcester, 01610.HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL SERVICE, 33 Ward St., is directing funeral arrangements.