By Theresa Carson
In September, Brother Vincent Tri Nguyen SVD became the first Divine Word brother to profess perpetual vows in the United States in more than a decade.
Born in Bien Hoa City, Vietnam, and raised in a devout Catholic family, Brother Vincent’s journey has taken him across continents—from his childhood home in Vietnam to the United States to cross-cultural training in Ghana.
His life reflects how personal experiences, music and a deep sense of vocation can intertwine to shape a meaningful life of service.
Brother Vincent grew up in a Catholic household, and his parents played an instrumental role in nurturing his faith.
“I learned my faith from my parents,” Brother Vincent said, reflecting on the strong foundation his family provided. From an early age, he was immersed in the rhythms of the Catholic faith—daily Mass, prayer and Catechism lessons, which became integral parts of his life.
His love for music emerged naturally, starting with an interest in choir. He joined the children’s choir and began to understand the deep connection between faith and liturgical music.
Music, he explained, “touches my heart” and has been an essential way to experience God’s love.
The hymns he sings convey powerful messages, he said. In fact, some Vietnamese hymns remind him that “God’s love is even bigger than the ocean.”
Brother Vincent’s musical journey didn’t stop with singing. At age 14, he developed an interest in the keyboard, and by age 19, he was learning to play the violin.
He also dabbled in piano playing, adding depth and diversity to his musical repertoire. This passion for music would go on to shape much of his adult life.
Brother Vincent’s deep sense of vocation began to take shape during his high school years in Vietnam.
Even as he pursued studies in information technology, he found himself drawn to the idea of religious life.
When he expressed his interest in life as a religious, his parents were supportive. But life had other plans. After his grandmother sponsored the family’s move to the United States, Brother Vincent’s path took a detour.
Though he was three years into his undergraduate program, he did not hesitate to follow his family to America. There, he worked at a dental supply company while learning English.
In 2012, Brother Vincent’s life took another turn when he was introduced to a Divine Word priest by his parents. Inspired by this encounter, he enrolled in Divine Word College as a priesthood candidate, studied English as a Second Language and pursued a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies.
During this time, his interest in liturgical music deepened. He became increasingly involved in music ministry, which enhanced his understanding of both his faith and his cultural identity. He also discovered the brother vocation. He said he made the switch because he realized that this vocation fit him better than the priesthood.
Brother Vincent’s immersion in liturgical music gave him a sense of purpose and belonging. Music became a way for him to connect with God and others while strengthening his resolve to pursue a life of service.
“Liturgical music has taught me how much God loves me, and how God loves the world,” he said.
For Brother Vincent, music is not only a way to express his faith—it is a way to experience and share the love of God with others.
Brother Vincent’s musical talents were not only a personal pursuit; they became a way for him to serve his community.
During his Cross-Cultural Training Program (CTP) in Ghana, he took on the role of teaching and conducting the youth choir. His experiences with the youth choir allowed him to explore his leadership skills while sharing his love for music.
He also taught the children music theory and how to play the keyboard. However, teaching music to children was not always easy.
“At first, I wasn’t patient with them,” he admitted, remembering his initial struggles. “I would teach them one concept and assume they would understand and remember it.”
But over time, he learned the importance of going slow and providing repetition, realizing that patience and small steps were essential for helping children grasp concepts.
“When they understand the concept and can play with confidence, that’s when I know I’ve done my job,” he said.
During his time as a brother candidate, Brother Vincent pursued a certificate in Pastoral Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Music at Loyola University.
A religious brother, as Brother Vincent explained, is someone who “serves the church community with talents and gifts” in a non-sacramental way.
To him, a brother is someone who “shows others how to love and connect in a brotherly way.” In this sense, he feels called to embody these qualities and live them out through his vocation.
“It fits me like shoes,” he said. “It feels natural, like I can be myself. The more I live with this vocation, the happier I feel and the better person I become.”
For his first assignment, Brother Vincent will return to Ghana.