Adapted from article by Theresa Carson
A Foundation of Faith and Music
Born
in Bien Hoa City, Vietnam, Brother Vincent was raised in a devout household where daily Mass and prayer were the cornerstones of life. His parents were instrumental in nurturing his early faith, but it was through music that Vincent found a personal connection to the divine.
Beginning in the children’s choir, he discovered that hymns could "touch the heart" and express a love "bigger than the ocean." This passion evolved into a multi-instrumental pursuit; by his late teens, he was mastering the keyboard, violin, and piano skills that would eventually define his unique ministry.
The Journey to America
While studying Information Technology in Vietnam, Vincent felt a growing pull toward religious life. However, his path took an unexpected detour when his family immigrated to the United States. Demonstrating a commitment to family, he paused his undergraduate studies to relocate, working at a dental supply company while mastering English.
In 2012, an encounter with a Divine Word priest reignited his calling. He enrolled in Divine Word College, initially as a priesthood candidate, where he pursued degrees in Intercultural Studies and English.
Discovering the Brother Vocation
During his formation, Vincent experienced a profound realization: his talents and temperament were better suited to the life of a religious brother than the priesthood. He describes the brother vocation as a way to serve the community through specific gifts in a non-sacramental capacity.
"It fits me like shoes," Vincent reflects. "It feels natural, like I can be myself. The more I live with this vocation, the happier I feel."
To support this mission, he earned a certificate in Pastoral Studies from the Catholic Theological Union and a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Music from Loyola University, blending his technical skill with his spiritual identity.
Service Through Teaching and Leadership
Brother Vincent’s vocation was tested and refined during his Cross-Cultural Training Program (CTP) in Ghana. There, he led youth choirs and taught music theory and keyboard. The experience was a lesson in humility; initially lacking patience, he learned to adapt his teaching style to the needs of his students. For Vincent, the reward was not just musical proficiency, but the joy of seeing children play with confidence.
A Milestone for the Divine Word Missionaries
In September 2025 Brother Vincent made history as the first Divine Word brother to profess perpetual vows in the United States in more than ten years. Today, he views his role as a "brotherly" connection to the world, using the universal language of music to demonstrate God's love. Through his violin and his service, he continues to show how personal passion can be transformed into a lifelong vessel for ministry.
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