“A pastoral year experience is often transformative, marking a journey of spiritual, personal, and professional growth for seminarians,” writes Frater Truc Tran, SCJ, in a reflection on the first months of his pastoral year.
“Arriving in South Dakota, I received the warmest welcome from our community, students, staff, and employees of St. Joseph Indian School. My first days were filled with excitement and nervousness as I looked through the staff directory, which included over 300 people! I wondered, ‘How can I get to know all of them in just one year?’
“I am dedicating more time to visiting students in their homes, offering prayers, and listening to their life stories to understand them better. These experiences help me connect Native American traditions and the Catholic faith. However, such moments are not always easily accessible. I have struggled to find the right words to understand the relationship between religion and the Native American traditions. Yet, these challenges have revealed to me the grace found in a simple, compassionate presence. At such times, I was reminded of the beauty and strength that faith can provide. I am realizing how profoundly ministry connects me to people’s lives.
“The pastoral year is filled with moments of discernment. I questioned whether I was called to this life. I have discovered that my role was not to have all the answers but to be a presence and a vessel of God’s love. Additionally, the pastoral year provides an excellent opportunity to explore Fr. Dehon’s spirituality deeply and discern my relationship with God in my vocation. Each day, my love for the people and God’s calling deepens. My heart expands to understand that ministry becomes more abundant when grounded in humility and compassion.”
Click here to read Fra. Truc’s full reflection on the province website.
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