In Catholic men’s religious orders, diversity brings new opportunities — and occasional friction

Tuan Anh Nguyen’s path to religious life began with a wager and a divine sign during a video game, reflecting a trend among aspirants towards diverse backgrounds and positive experiences in Catholic ministry. Aspiring Catholic religious, like Nguyen, challenge traditional mentoring approaches, prompting reevaluation within religious communities. Nguyen’s journey reflects broader shifts in the U.S. Catholic population towards diversity, with foreign-born Catholics comprising a significant portion since the 1970s. Despite initial doubts, Nguyen’s commitment to priesthood has grown, exemplifying the evolving nature of discernment and community building in contemporary religious life. Through discernment programs and community engagement, institutions like the Jesuits are adapting to meet the needs of a changing generation of potential priests.