Dear friends,

It is with great pleasure that I write this post to introduce myself to the parish community.  My name is Tien Tran.  I was ordained a Deacon for the Archdiocese of Melbourne last November.  I am most grateful for the opportunity to be living in the parish at this stage of my formation to the priesthood. 

I was born in Vietnam in 1994.  I grew up in a village in the central highlands province of Dak Nong.  My parents were coffee farmers.  I have a younger sister who is currently studying here in Melbourne.  I came to Melbourne in 2013 as an overseas student.  My first year was spent learning English, then I went on to do a course in International Trade.  I was excited about my future and was happy with where I was at the time.  I have a great interest in sport, travelling, and hanging out with friends.  Though I was content with my life, I felt an invitation within, to explore my faith further.  I saw in the priesthood a call to leave my ‘nets’ behind and follow Jesus and be at the service of the Gospel.  I decided to give the seminary a go and here I am six years later as a transitional Deacon. 

While there were challenges, my journey has also been a great blessing.  The six years at the seminary have given me the opportunity to grow as a person and a disciple, through study, pastoral encounter, and reflection.  I have got to know myself better, and the world around me through the lens of the Gospel.  There is still so much for me to learn as a person and as a minister of the Gospel.  For that reason, I am excited to be part of these parishes, surrounded by  experienced clergy, staff and a wonderful diverse community. 

I have settled into the presbytery and am enjoying the warm welcome and great hospitality from the people I live with.  This semester, I will continue with the final leg of full time study, doing a synthesis and a subject in the Second Vatican Council.  In the second half of the year, I will be free from all study and will be able to devote all my time to the parish. 

I have already met a number of you, and I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know many more parishioners over the weeks and months ahead.  As I begin my time in the parish, I ask for you to pray that I will continue to grow in my faith and vocation.  Be assured of my prayers for you all as we walk this path together, knowing that the Lord accompanies us every step of the way. 

By Deacon Tien Tran