Thoughts from a seminarian:
I was born in a countryside village in Vietnam with ranges of bamboos surrounding the village. The bamboos are very common and meaningful to the Vietnamese who live in countryside areas. Because of its characteristics of endurance and perseverance, people consider the bamboo as the symbol of the Vietnamese. In my village, there is a parish church built in 1989 in the western architecture style with two towers on the facade of the church. People are very religious—in the whole village, there are only two non-catholic families. Thanks to living in such a catholic environment and thanks to prayers of three generations in my family including my grandparents, parents, and my siblings, I have a vocation which I am following now. When I decided to follow my vocation for the priesthood, I never thought that I would have a chance to study in the United States which is the richest, the freest, and the most modern country in all the world. However, God’s will is done and I am in the US now. Although I have been here for eleven months, I am still surprised by the American seminarians’ kindness and generosity at Kenrick Glennon seminary and by my first pastoral experience in an American parish.
I still remember the first day I stepped foot in Kenrick Glennon seminary; I received cordial welcomes from the faculty and seminarians. They are very generous and kind in helping me to get used to the new environment and daily lifestyle of everyone in the seminary. Moreover, they help me to experience the American culture through daily activities, such as sport playing, entertainment, gauds, and Caritas group. Thanks to their generosity and kindness, they make me feel at home and comfortable in the new school.
After finishing the first school year, I have three months for summer vacation. However, I was surprised to find out that I would have an opportunity to live in an American parish, St. Ann parish in Normandy, for two months to observe and study the pastoral experience with its pastor and from activities in the parish for my future priestly ministry. You know that there is different pastoral administration in different countries, so living in St. Ann parish is the best opportunity for me to experience the new pastoral ways. Living in the rectory, I also understand a little about the pastoral works of Fr. Bill through what he shares and through working with him in daily works. Thanks be to God for granting me an opportunity to live and study in the United States.
Praising God forever! Quang