Fr. Chi-Nhan Vo is the newest and youngest priest in the Archdiocese of Portland after completing nine years of seminary formation. At the Mass of Ordination on November 16th he was exhorted by Archbishop Sample to remember who he is as a priest, sacramentally configured to Christ The Eternal High Priest. Reiterating St. John Vianny’s testimony to the priesthood as a vessel of Jesus’ love and mercy in the work of redemption of the world, Archbishop Sample said, “Chi-Nhan, I hope that you, and all of your brother priests, will continue to be ministers of hope. The world needs hope. May you be that instrument of God’s love and mercy and hope.” The Archbishop also encouraged everyone to read Pope Francis’ encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He said to Fr. Vo, “May you image that heart to the people that you will serve.”
November 21st is a special celebration of the World Day of Cloistered Life. Saints such as Antony of the Desert, Benedict of Nursia (Benedictine), Therese of Liseaux (Carmelite), Clare of Assisi (Poor Clares), and – are famous examples of men and women who impacted the world through their secluded devotion to prayer for the Church and the world. Separating themselves from the world, religious orders and hermits follow Jesus’ example when He went away by Himself to pray. Without the burdens of usual secular life, cloisters enable the residents to intensely focus on contemplative and intercessory prayer. The strictest type, called a papal cloister, is the most removed from secular contact, while constitutional and monastic cloisters have more flexibility to interact in secular ministries of outreach or hospitality. Some examples of the cloistered life in the Archdiocese of Portland are: The Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Carmelites) of Carmel of Maria Regina; The Friar Servants of Mary (Servites) of the Grotto of Our Sorrowful Mother; The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) of Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey; The Order of the Most Holy Savior (Brigittines) of the Priory of Our Lady of Consolation; and The Order of St. Benedict monks (Benedictine) of Mount Angel Abbey.
On October 24th Seminarians Shawn Daniel and John Nguyen were admitted to the Rite of Candidacy, which affirms their discernment to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Portland. Archbishop Sample celebrated the Mass at Mount Angel Seminary. Their article provides further information. Mount Angel Seminary – Mass of Candidacy 2024 – Mount Angel Abbey
