Bishop Michael Pham delivered the following homily on June 20, 2025, World Refugee Day, at St. Joseph Cathedral:
“Today, we observe World Refugee Day, established by the United Nations in 2001. It highlights that wars, conflicts, natural disasters, human trafficking, food shortages, and government oppression force people to leave their home in search of safety and opportunity.
“I came to the United States as a refugee because on April 30th, 1975, the war ended between North and South Vietnam. Vietnam became a unified country under Communist rule.
“Life was difficult, being oppressed by the government. We didn’t have much food to eat. That is why I’m short. Have you noticed?
“With a big family, my parents were not able to provide the means for us to survive. The best way to survive was to get away from the oppressive government.
“In 1980, my parents took a risk to let my sister, my younger brother, and me to go on a small boat to seek freedom along with 116 other people. We were on a little tiny boat, out of the ocean for three days and four nights without food or water. Thank God, an oil tanker rescued us, brought us to Malaysia, and put us in a refugee camp.
“With their kindness, the United States took us in. Today, I’m still grateful to the United States, a nation of immigrants, for providing me with the chance to start anew. This country has given me access to freedom that is better than most countries in the world: education, employment, and success.
“Today, I stand as a leader of a Catholic Church, thanks to these opportunities that allowed me to contribute to society. I believe most of refugees, immigrants, and migrants over the years, whether documented or undocumented, come to the United States seeking opportunities for a better life and success.
“The majority of us who reside in this country make a positive contribution to society. We are employed, pay taxes, enhance the economy, adhere to the law and respect one another. I believe most people, like me, strive to be good. It is concerning to observe the current situation in the United States. Families are being separated as a result of policy aimed at deporting people who are called criminal.
“When I was 10 years old living in Vietnam I witnessed this situation. Seeing people being taken away for no obvious reason. It is sad and disheartening for me to see this kind of thing playing out in this country today.
“We need to be mindful that we must treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are a human family. We stand in solidarity with our refugees, migrants, and immigrants. We are God’s children. Let us store up our treasure in heaven by sharing, welcoming, and promoting harmony. If we achieve this, the United States will become a beacon of hope, peace, and love to the world.”