By Eileen Connelly, OSU  

Forty years ago, Br. David Phan, OFM, made a promise to God – one that set him on a path to a life of faith and service. 

In 1984, at just 16 years old, Br. David found himself on a tiny boat with dozens of other refugees fleeing from harsh Communist conditions in his home country of Vietnam.  

“After just three or four days, we had run out of water. We thought we would die in the middle of the ocean, in the middle of nowhere,” he recalled. “It was such a test of faith, so I surrendered to God. I promised him that if he kept me alive, I would dedicate my life to him and to serving others. It gave me peace of mind in a moment when I had nothing else to hold on to."

Br. David Phan walks as part of a procession of Vietnamese clergy during a feast day celebration. Br. David is wearing white vestments embroidered with Our Lady of La Vang holding the infant Jesus.

Br. David Phan, Bishop of Charleston Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, and Br. John Tran Nguyen take part in a prayer service during a feast day celebration. (Photo courtesy of Kayla Hoang)

Escaping persecution, finding faith 

Br. David’s deep faith was instilled by his parents, who relocated to South Vietnam before he was born to escape persecution against Catholics in the North. The second of 10 children, he first thought of becoming a priest while still in grade school.  

His dream would have to wait. As with many Vietnamese families, Br. David’s family dealt with poverty and harsh conditions after the 1975 fall of Saigon. They were forced from their home, their belongings taken, and Br. David’s father imprisoned.  

Seeking peace and new opportunities, the teenager fled the country against his concerned mother’s wishes, and after the frightening boat journey, ended up in a refugee camp in the Philippines. Catholic Charities ultimately placed Br. David, who spoke no English at the time, in Oregon, where he lived in a series of foster homes. His older brother soon followed him to the United States.  

Despite many obstacles, the faith-filled young man graduated from high school, earned an economics degree from the University of Oregon and had a successful career as a stock trader. It took many years, but Br. David and his brother eventually brought their parents and eight siblings to the United States as they focused on reconnecting with their loved ones and helping them settle.  

Br. David Phan, wearing white vestments, stands among a crowd of people who are praying. To his left are Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, and Br. John Tran Nguyen, a fellow Vietnamese friar.

Br. David Phan, Bishop of Charleston Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, and Br. John Tran Nguyen take part in a prayer service during a feast day celebration. (Photo courtesy of Kayla Hoang)

A call to Franciscan life 

With his family safe, Br. David turned his attention to God’s call for him and that long ago promise. He visited various religious communities, but none seemed like a good fit until he found the Franciscans.  

“I was drawn to their ministry to the poor, immigrants, the marginalized,” he said.  

Br. David made temporary profession in 2002, solemn profession in 2007 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2010. In fulfilling his promise to God, he joined three siblings in religious life – two became religious sisters, and his brother, Nghia, is also a Franciscan friar.  

After ordination, Br. David ministered at a parish in New Jersey before coming to South Carolina in 2011 to serve the Vietnamese Catholic community.  He currently ministers as administrator at Our Lady of La Vang Parish in Greer, South Carolina, and as diocesan coordinator of Vietnamese ministry for the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina.  

It’s a deeply personal ministry for the friar whose experience as a refugee drives his efforts with Vietnamese immigrants and their Catholic community.  

“The Vietnamese have come to the Unites States legally in waves over the years,” Br. David explained. “They were evacuated after the war, and many others escaped by boat and were sponsored. Our community is growing. I serve throughout the diocese, doing whatever I can to help the Catholic immigrants assimilate.” 

Having a faith community they can call their own, where their language and culture is preserved, is important to the Vietnamese people, he said, along with being part of the larger Church.  

Standing in front of an altar, Br. David Phan greets parishioners. He stands to the left of a statute of Our Lady of La Vang that is decorated with flowers. Next to him is Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS.

Br. David Phan, OFM, and Bishop of Charleston Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, welcome parishioners to Our Lady of La Vang Church. (Photo courtesy of Kayla Hoang)

Giving it all to God 

His ministry involves spending plenty of time on the road, traveling between four faith communities in the region and celebrating two daily liturgies and seven weekend Masses. It has been grueling, yet rewarding work for one priest, so Br. David is looking forward to having Br. John Tran Nguyen, OFM, join him in August to share in ministry and fraternal life.  

Br. David spoke of the joy his ministry brings him, saying, “It’s rewarding to see the Vietnamese people worship in our native language, seeing the youth coming together and the strong family connections.”  

In addition to his work with the Vietnamese community, until recently, Br. David had also been living on the grounds of the Poor Clares in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, celebrating daily Mass and praying with them. The sisters are hoping other friars will visit and serve there, and Br. David encourages his brothers to consider the opportunity.  

“Being with the sisters really deepened my prayer life,” he said. “It is always joyful to be with them.”  

Looking back on the past 40 years and his faith-filled promise, Br. David feels grateful and blessed.  

“I feel that God has helped me make the right decisions. I’m a better man because I entered religious life, in terms of caring for others, no longer living for myself, giving it all to God. Serving among the Vietnamese has made me a better man, too, and a better friar. They have taught me about faith and community, that we must just do our best to serve God and others every day.”