PHOENIX — On Tuesday, St. Thomas Aquinas in Avondale was packed with worshippers who came to witness the special ordination mass for Auxiliary Bishop Peter Dai Bui.
"Surprised first of all because I didn't expect it, but also grateful, grateful and honored," Bui said about his reaction when Pope Leo XIV appointed him as an Auxiliary Bishop back in December.
Bishop Bui was born in Vietnam and came to the United States as a young boy after his family fled religious and political persecution following the Vietnam War. His family escaped on his father's fishing boat and settled in New Orleans, where they began life as refugees.
He was ordained as a priest in 2003 and served in the Diocese of Phoenix for 18 years. Bishop Bui speaks five languages, and his appointment from the pope makes him just the second auxiliary bishop in the 56-year history of the Diocese of Phoenix.
During a time when some in the community may be fearful immigrants themselves, Bishop Bui offered a message of hope.
"To never lose hope, and the heart of every human being there's goodness, and there is always an open heart for welcome," Bui said.
Bishop John Dolan reflected on what Bui's story represents for America. "We used to care for people across the pond in other nations, that is what America was about, we were wonderful, super charitable, I think (Bishop Bui) is a reminder to us of what that used to look like," Dolan said.
Son Le, a 19-year-old who is on his way to become a priest as a second-year seminarian, was once an altar boy for Bishop Bui. He too immigrated to the United States six years ago.
"It's such a comfort, a blessing and comfort," Le said.
