On July 26, four men professed vows with the Society of the Divine Word. The event was held in the new Wendelin Hall at Techny. We invite you to get to know our newest members. Today, we feature Hung Cong Nguyen SVD.
Age: 28
Hometown: Quang Tri, Vietnam
Languages: English and Vietnamese
Ministries during novitiate: Preparing food for the homeless at Phở Tâm restaurant in Niles, Ill., tutoring at the Holy Spirit Missionary Sister’s learning center and Ministry of Care at the Divine Word Residence at Techny
Favorite book: “I Chose You” by Sister Philomena Agudo FMM
Will you tell us about a time when you felt God’s presence?
I began to feel God’s presence through serving as an altar boy and a choir boy in church when I was young. Every day, I learned the Catechism and attended Mass, which helped me know more about God. Through that, every action I take in church or in society is because of God’s love for me.
When did you first feel the call to be a missionary?
From a young age, I felt my calling through my involvement in the church—serving as an altar server, singing in the choir and attending Catechism classes. These experiences deepened my connection to God. In high school, I joined a Bible sharing group at the church, where I gained a deeper understanding of God's Word. This journey nurtured a strong desire within me to serve God.
However, due to personal and family reasons, I set aside my calling while still in Vietnam. When I moved to the United States, I pursued various jobs, yet life felt empty and unfulfilling. I decided to serve in the Church by teaching Vietnamese and Catechism for the kids. It wasn’t until I met a former SVD member at the youth camp that everything changed. He introduced me to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), reigniting my passion for service. I enrolled at the Divine Word College after a few months. Looking back, I truly believe that my calling was part of God’s plan all along.
How has living with the SVD brothers and priests at Techny inspired you?
After nearly six years of studying at Divine Word College and one year in the novitiate, living with SVD brothers and priests in both communities, I have come to deeply understand and embrace the charism of the SVDs. My desire to become an SVD member is strong, as I long to use the gifts God has given me to serve those around me. An SVD priest once told me, “Where there is difficulty, there will be SVDs.” Having been born and raised in a poor family and in a land of hardship, I understand the struggles of the less fortunate. I do not fear challenges; rather, I welcome the opportunity to serve wherever I am needed. The Society of the Divine Word is the path that allows me to do this because “God’s mission is my mission."