New Bishop Pham Emphasizes Service and Justice at Installation

Michael Pham was officially installed as the seventh bishop of San Diego during a ceremony attended by a capacity crowd at St. Thérèse of Carmel Parish on May 22, 2023. His sister, Huong Pham, expressed pride in her brother, describing him as a “very caring, gentle, down-to-earth person.” She added, “It’s wonderful. We feel blessed on this day. Everyone should pray for the bishop and our family.”

At 58 years old, Bishop Pham is the nation’s first Vietnamese-American bishop. He was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the first choice for this role, reflecting his longstanding commitment to social justice and advocacy for immigrant rights. During the 100-minute Mass, he addressed the congregation with a focus on serving those in need and fostering community cohesion.

Message of Unity and Justice

In his homily, Bishop Pham emphasized the importance of supporting all individuals without discrimination, particularly the poor, the homeless, and immigrants. He quoted the Gospel of John, stating, “In serving others — this requires daily dying.” He continued, “We pray that the Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage to take on the task to serve all people without discrimination.”

The Mass included a multi-ethnic audience, with prayers recited in Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and English, showcasing the diversity of the San Diego community. Bishop Pham reinforced the idea that the church should actively participate in justice, peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He remarked, “We, too, are sent by Jesus to bring the same spirit of love to a world filled with division and hatred.”

A number of prominent figures attended the installation, including Cardinal Robert McElroy and Apostolic Nuncio Christophe Pierre, who represented the Vatican. Their presence underscored the significance of the event within the broader context of the Catholic Church in America, where Pham’s diocese serves nearly 1.4 million people.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Bishop Pham’s leadership style was evident as he interacted warmly with the congregation, inviting many to share hugs and engage in conversation after the service. Speaking with humor, he noted his modest stature, likening himself to Yoda from “Star Wars,” saying, “Whether we are tall or short, figuratively or literally, we all are called to be bearers of hope and beacons of good news to peace, justice, and love for all.”

In a livestreamed segment of the event that reached thousands, he reiterated that true peace can only be achieved through justice, which he defined as requiring love and compassion. He challenged the community to recognize those who are marginalized and to act in their defense. “True social justice exists only when all sisters and brothers are treated with dignity and respect,” he stated.

Bishop Pham’s message aligns with the teachings of Pope Francis, who emphasizes the importance of listening to one another to foster unity within the church. Pham highlighted the significance of Pentecost, reflecting on how people spoke different languages yet understood one another, a metaphor for the church’s mission today.

As the new bishop embarks on this significant role, he carries the expectation of not only serving his local community but also addressing broader social issues that affect society as a whole. His commitment to inclusivity and justice is poised to resonate throughout the Diocese of San Diego.