TAN NGUYEN AND TIEN T. PHO

Acts of Mercy Inspiring Others Through Generosity

Tan Nguyen and Tien T. Pho are new to Orange County, but they already have fallen in love with Christ Cathedral Parish and their involvement in works of mercy here. The couple emigrated from Vietnam in 1975 with few resources but great faith. Raising their family in San Jose, CA, they moved here to be close to their daughter. Their one requirement of their new home: that it be close to a church.

Tan and Tien see giving back as an important way to return their blessings. They volunteer every Thursday at the Helping House, where they help distribute food from the Second Harvest Food Bank to the homeless.

"It is not easy to come face to face with the very poor until you realize you are looking into the eyes of Christ. And he is looking back at you," says Tan. "This is one of the most rewarding things we do!"

Tan and Tien inspire others to see the world differently. Their simple acts of mercy bring joy to those who might otherwise be hopeless. "When they leave, these people are more peaceful than when they arrived," says Tien.

The family is a passionate supporter of the Christ Cathedral project and Catholic education. They also encourage others to look for ways to help our retired priests, and our young priests and seminarians. For Tan and Tien, these men represent our heritage and our future.

Tan and Tien also provided a leadership gift for the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine Project at Christ Cathedral, in commemoration of the apparition of Our Lady in LaVang, Vietnam. The project honors the faith and heritage of the local Vietnamese-American Catholic community.

There are over 60 Vietnamese priests in the diocese and 16 parishes that celebrate Mass in Vietnamese. Tan and Tien are hopeful and faithful witnesses to unity in our diversity. They are tireless volunteers and cheerful givers of their time, talent and treasure.

"It is not easy to come face to face with the very poor until you realize you are looking into the eyes of Christ."