40^th Jubilee of Priesthood for Msgr. Jerome Ham, a NghiaSinh’s Chaplain

       At 3:00 p.m. on June 15, 2008, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated to commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of Ordination to Priesthood for Msgr. Jerome Ham, Pastor of Saint Anthony Church in Streator, Illinois. More than 25 priests and over 300 guests, friends, and family members gathered to celebrate 40 years of spiritual service to God’s people in both Vietnam and the United States.

       “God who is mighty has done great things for me” (Lk 1:49) is the motto selected by Msgr. Jerome Ham, who has been a NghiaSinh’s Chaplain for many years. As a spiritual leader for NghiaSinh’s Christians, Msgr. Jerome has celebrated Thanksgiving Mass for NghiaSinh on Thanksgiving Day for 12 years and provided religious guidance to members of NghiaSinh International who are Catholics. Traditionally, NghiaSinh has three chaplains, one for Catholics, one for Buddhists, and one for Protestants.

       In his welcome speech, Msgr. Jerome said, “My life is full of grace and an abundance of God’s blessings. I have never thanked God enough. So I have invited you -- all my guests, friends, and relatives -- to be here to thank God for me.”

      At age 70, Msgr. Jerome will retire from his pastorship next year to begin a new life of service to the poorest of the poor in Vietnam.

       We wish to take this opportunity to thank Msgr. Jerome for his generous service and spiritual guidance. His humble life and selfless ministry have inspired us all.