Vietnam-born canon lawyer loves pho and “Hawaii 5-O”

Father Steve Nguyen, 38, was born in Tam Ha, Vietnam. He has two brothers and two sisters. When Nguyen was 11, he, his father and his older brother fled Vietnam by boat and came to the U.S. a year later under the sponsorship of a family in Dallas, Texas, where he then grew up. After high school, Nguyen followed his childhood dream to become a priest and attended Holy Trinity College Seminary in Irving, Texas, and St. Mary Seminary in Houston.

After a visit to Hawaii, Father Nguyen eventually decided to move to the islands. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Honolulu in 1999. He served at the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community, Christ the King Parish on Maui, and Our Lady of the Mount Parish on Oahu before going to Catholic University in Washington D.C. to study for his canon law degree, which he earned in 2008. He is now the associate pastor at St. Anthony Parish in Kailua, Oahu, and works in the diocesan tribunal office.

1. What would you be if you weren’t a priest?

I would have become an FBI agent.  I like to investigate mysteries.

2. What is your favorite Bible passage?

John 6: 68-69. “…Master, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” I like this passage because it speaks to me. Without Jesus, I would be lost. He’s my strength; he gives me comfort.

3. Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy playing the electric bass and electric guitar.  I take lessons and play along with my favorite CDs. It’s soothing.

4. What or who makes you laugh?

Good or funny jokes make me laugh.

5. What is your favorite television show?

“Hawaii 5-0” because the show deals with solving crime.

6. Do you have a favorite music group?

I have a few favorites but the group that tops my list is Heart. I like Nancy and Ann Wilson songs. The lyrics and instruments mix well.

7. Where have you always wanted to visit?

The Holy Land. I want to be able to see the places that were depicted in the scriptures.

8. What’s your favorite food?

I like all kinds of food. I can eat most Asian food, like Thai, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino. When I visit my family, my father makes Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).