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November 20, 2018 | The Valley Catholic
COMMUNITY
Diocese Ordains Two Seminarians as Transitional Deacons
By Liz Sullivan
The Catholic Church in San Jose cel-
ebrated a symbol of its faith on Novem-
ber 3 as John Hoang and Victor Trinidad
were ordained transitional deacons for
the Diocese.
Amid the backdrop of the home par-
ish for both men, Saint Victor, Coadjutor
Bishop Oscar Cantú celebrated the Mass
together with a full congregation.
“As many of you know, I haven’t been
in the Diocese long,” said Bishop Cantú.
“I did have a conversation with Victor
and John over a nice meal yesterday
(November 2) and I asked them to them
to tell me their stories. It was fascinating
listening to their stories. Somewhere,
someone opened their hearts and their
minds so these young men could say
yes. They discovered that Christ was
real. I say to John and Victor, stay close
to Christ, stay close to the Holy Spirit.
Next spring, God willing, Trinidad
will be the first American-born Filipino
priest to be ordained for the Diocese.
Hoang will be the second American-
born Vietnamese priest.
Showing the diversity of the Dio-
cese, various parts of the Mass were
proclaimed in English, Spanish, Viet-
John Hoang, Bishop Oscar Cantú and Victor
Trinidad, after Mass.
namese and Tagalog.
“I say to everyone, come and you
will see,” the Bishop added. “Come and
discover the mystery where God dwells
and you will see your trusted self and
the meaning of life.”
This is the third straight year the
Diocese has ordained seminarians as
transitional deacons. Overall, with
their expected priestly ordination, the
Diocese will have these years ordained
seven men to the priesthood.
Learn more about vocations in
the Diocese of San Jose, by visiting
www.dsj.org/vocations.
John Hoang and Victor Trinidad participate in their Odrination as Transactional Deacons.
Photos courtesy of Jen Vazquez
John Hoang and Bishop Oscar Cantú.
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Victor Trinidad.
From left to right, Monsignor Francis V. Cilia, John Hoang, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Victor
Trinidad, Father Mark Gazzingan, Father Ritche Bueza and Father Brendan McGuire.