Dear brothers and sisters in Christ
With great joy and gratitude, I share with you a little reflection as I celebrate the first anniversary of my priestly ordination.
On the 13th October of last year, I was ordained by Bishop Peter Nguyen Van Vien of the Diocese of Vinh, Vietnam, in my hometown parish of Loc Thuy. It was a deeply meaningful celebration, with 45 priests concelebrating and more than three thousand faithful gathered, including family, friends and people from Vietnam, the Philippines and Australia.
That day remains very special to me. I received the wonderful gift of priesthood in the very parish where I was born and raised. Many people have asked me, “Why did you want to become a priest?” For me, priesthood is first and foremost a gift from God. Gradually, I came to recognise His call and found the courage to say yes.
My vocation also has deep roots in my family. I am the eighth of twelve children, four boys and eight girls. From my earliest years, my mother taught me to pray and took me to church each morning. My childhood was shaped by two important places: the church and the school. Later, after university, I heard God’s call more clearly and chose to follow Him.
For ten years, I lived in the formation house in Manila, the Philippines. Those years of prayer, study, community life and pastoral ministry prepared me for the great privilege of priestly service.
Now, after one year of priesthood, I can honestly say that it has been a year of grace, learning and blessing. Every day brings new experiences and encounters, and through the people I meet, I often recognise God’s presence and love. I continue to learn what it means to be a faithful disciple and servant of Christ.
I am deeply grateful to the Missionary Society of St Paul, which has nurtured my vocation and formed me for ministry. Through the example of our founder, Joseph De Piro, I continue to discover how God’s providence is revealed through simple acts of love, service and faithfulness.
Finally, thank you, dear parishioners, for your prayers, kindness, encouragement and support. Serving as your assistant priest at St Bernadette’s has been a great blessing, and this parish will always have a special place in my heart. Please continue to pray for me and for Fr Silvio, that we may serve you with love, humility and joy.
Fr Can Tran