Bishop Nguyen, who has been auxiliary bishop in Melbourne since 2011, was appointed on Thursday by Pope Francis to be the fourth Bishop of Parramatta diocese, in Sydney.

He came to Australia in the early 1980’s after the communist government disbanded the seminary he had joined in 1972.

After settling in Melbourne, he began his studies for the priesthood in 1984. He was ordained five years later.

Bishop Nguyen told TiVi Tuan-san he was honoured to be given the position.

“Consider this: it is the first time that someone of an Asian background like me who has been appointed a bishop of a diocese in Australia.

“I feel that the honour is not just for me but also for migrant Catholics here generally and for former Vietnamese refugees particularly.”

“It’s a recognition on the part of the universal Church of the unique gifts and contribution that migrants and refugees bring to the church and society. It’s a timely reminder in view of the refugee crisis in the world and the attitude of Australians and government policy towards asylum seekers.”

The Bishop said his plans included advocating for social justice.

“Parramatta Diocese encompasses the greater Western Sydney basin, a region which is ethnically diverse and a melting pot for so many cultures. As a leader of the Catholic Church here, I’ll endeavour to build harmony, understanding and cohesion in the broader community.

“I hope to do so in collaboration with my clergy and people as well as with civic and religious leaders. Pastoral Engagement and accompaniment of those who struggle will be my priority.”

Speaking about his new role, the Bishop said he believed his faith in God guided him to where he is now.

“My appointment [is] somewhat out of the ordinary. As we Catholics say, God works in mysterious ways. I am the living proof of it and indeed the Vietnamese refugees are too. We came here with virtually nothing except a determination to build a better future and – for us Catholics – a strong faith tested in the crucible of untold sufferings.

“Yet God somehow uses us to revitalise the Church and enrich the society. I do hope my appointment can help us all to appreciate the common humanity that inheres in all people and open our eyes to the possibilities rather than the liabilities that we are capable of.”

Bishop Nguyen has worked as a priest in NSW and Victoria. In 2008, he was transferred to Rome and later returned to Australia.

– TiVi Tuan-san