“Being with the Dehonians for over nine years, the most important thing that I have experienced about Dehonian Spirituality is living a life of oblation with God. While living oblation and renewing it frequently throughout the day, I am reminded of the good deeds the Lord has poured upon me in my life, therefore one of my favorite biblical quotes is ‘Do not forget the works of the Lord’ (Psalms 78: 7b).”
– Frater Thuan Nguyen, SCJ
Hi, my name is Frater Thuan Nguyen, SCJ, and I am a professed member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. I finished my second year of theology at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology and am now in the midst of my pastoral year in northern Mississippi. I will return to SHSST next fall to continue my studies as a third-year seminarian.
I was born into a small family in Dong Nai province, Vietnam; there is my mom, my sister, and me.
I studied Chemistry in Sai Gon University from 2011 to 2015 and lived in the dorm of Huyen Si Parish, which is available to students to live and study in Ho Chi Minh city. I liked community life there and I felt a call to become a religious. I knew about the Priests of the Sacred Heart in Vietnam through my neighbor, who was a student with the community.
I contacted Fr. Thai, the vocation director, and met him to learn about the SCJs. I was invited to the Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. After that, I decided to apply to become an SCJ candidate.
My first day as a candidate with the community was August 6, 2015; I had my first holy hour in the community. In that initial year, I studied English and Vietnamese in preparation for the entrance exam for Philosophy studies. I passed the exam, and I entered the Dominican Academy.
After finishing Philosophy, I joined two of my confreres to go to the US Province to enter postulancy and the novitiate because we did not have these programs in Vietnam at that time.
Being with the Dehonians for over nine years, the most important thing that I have experienced about Dehonian Spirituality is living a life of oblation with God. While living oblation and renewing it frequently throughout the day, I am reminded of the good deeds the Lord has poured upon me in my life, therefore one of my favorite biblical quotes is “Do not forget the works of the Lord” (Psalms 78: 7b).
My vocation is enriched through the daily renewal of oblation which allows me to develop a more intimate relationship with God. In doing so, I hope to continually share God’s love with others.
