NEWLY-ordained priest Fr Michael My Van Tran said he could feel God “very close” to him as he celebrated Mass with his family at his father’s hospital bedside two weeks ago.
Fr Tran’s father has been in hospital battling cancer.
“My father’s health is going down, so I am always (grateful for) any moment spent with him,” he said.
“I would like to spend more time with him and Mum in this special time.”
As part of his trip, Fr Tran returned to his home parish of St Michael’s parish, Dai Yen, in Vinh diocese where he celebrated Mass for 2000 people.
In the pews were more than 70 clergy and dozens of religious as well as people who had supported him while he was in the seminary.
Fr Tran said he was welcomed back as a “son of the parish”.
“I felt so special and supportive by people from my home town,” he said.
Fr Tran was the second priest to come from his home parish since it was established 100 years ago.
“I had always dreamed of celebrating Mass at my own church,” he said.
“That was so moving, that I was able to celebrate Mass with my people, who love, support me so much.”
He said the journey home had been wonderful.
“The thing surprised me the most was God’s grace and blessings,” he said.
“I could feel clearly how God close to me and my family at this time.”
He relied on Jesus’ words, “I am with you always, until the end of time”.
“And I believe that,” he said.