Fr. Francis Vu Tran named Vietnamese District superior

Fr. Francis in St. Peter's Square in Rome; Fr. Francis was a student in Rome for many years. He is currently completing his doctoral thesis in scripture.
Fr. Francis in St. Peter’s Square in Rome

Congratulations to Fr. Francis Vu Tran, SCJ, who has been named district superior of the Vietnamese District. The appointment was made by Fr. Heiner Wilmer, SCJ, superior general, with the consent of the General Council, on May 3.

“Our congregation calls us more and more to have a missionary spirit, and a spirit of internationality,” said Fr. Francis in an article published about his return to Vietnam. “This is an opportunity for me to live my vocation as an SCJ missionary.”

Earlier this year Fr. General asked Fr. Francis to consider serving in Vietnam, the country of his birth. He left the country when he was 11. “I grew up in the United States, I am an American now,” he said. An American, but like many immigrants, he is one who straddles two cultures. “I think that I can be a bridge between cultures,” said Fr. Francis. “I think that is why Fr. General asked me to serve in Vietnam, to serve as a missionary to the country.”

The new administration will begin its three-year term on August 12, 2016. Fr. Francis will move to Vietnam by August.

Also named to the administration: Fr. John Baptist Tràn Quoc Phong, SCJ (first councilor), Fr. Francis Xavier Tran Duc Thai, SCJ (second councilor) and Fr. Vincent Nguyen Cao Dung, SCJ (third councilor).

Click here to read more about Fr. Francis in the article published last week.