Good Shepherd Campaign- Word from Dcn. Peter Tran

An Update from Dcn. Peter Tran, our seminarian.

First, I hope that all of you are doing well! I want to extend my gratitude to Fr. Brian and the staff of St. Timothy Parish for reaching out and inviting me to share an update in this weekend’s bulletin.

The summer of 2024 was a significant and blessed time for me. I was ordained a deacon on May 31st, which is the feast day of the Visitation of Our Lady. Following my ordination, I was assigned to St. Timothy Parish for six weeks. After that, I had the opportunity to visit my family in Vietnam for a month in August. I then returned to St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario, to complete my final year of formation.

I am grateful for the support of the people from The Archdiocese of St. Boniface, especially, the parishioners of St. Timothy, who welcomed me so warmly during my summer pastoral placement.

Many of you may know that one of the reasons for my trip home last summer was to attend the Ordination of my former classmates to the priesthood on August 1st, 2024. This event was particularly special to me because one of them is my cousin. I cherish the photo we took together, surrounded by his friends.

I felt immense pride for my classmates who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and His people.

During the Ordination Celebration, I was moved by the promises my classmates made. For instance, when the bishop asked, “Do you resolve to discharge unfailingly, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the office of the Priesthood in the presbyteral rank, as trustworthy co-workers with the Order of Bishops, in feeding the Lord’s flock?”

They all replied, “I DO.”

They answered “I DO” a few more times after a few more questions from the bishop.

And finally, the bishop also asked, “Do you promise respect and obedience to me and my successors?”

They firmly affirmed with a strong, “I DO.”

Then the bishop said to them, “May the Lord, who has begun this good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.”

At that moment, I reflected on how the Sacrament of Holy Orders is not a contract between the Lord/the bishops and the priests; rather, it represents a profound commitment in which priests dedicate themselves completely and generously to serving God and His people. In return, I have witnessed that the Lord, in His goodness and providence, provides priests with the grace necessary to fulfill their ministries.

This celebration also served as a reminder that my own ordination is approaching. God willing, it will take place in the summer of 2025. I humbly ask everyone reading this message to kindly pray for me. I am eager to give myself fully to the Lord as a fervent and holy priest, ready to serve Him and His people.

May God bless you!

Peace,

Deacon Peter Tran

(November 11th, 2024, St. Peter’s Seminary, London, ON, Canada)