Imitating Christ came naturally to 30-year-old Father Thong Dinh Tran SVD. Born in Vietnam, he grew up in an environment of generosity, sacrifice and quiet fidelity.

Influenced by family, culture and missionary spirit, Father Thong’s faith was first nurtured in his parents’ home. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he experienced the Church not merely as an institution but as a living presence in daily life.

His parents and grandparents modeled what it means to be the “image of God” as a family, praying together every evening after dinner and trusting firmly that God will provide.

He recalled his family’s love as something extraordinary, marked by unity and gentleness.

“My mother, in particular, embodies quiet tenderness,” he said as he explained how his parents harmoniously worked together, rarely arguing. These early experiences planted the seeds of faith that would later blossom into his vocation.

While growing up in Vietnam, Father Thong spent time both in the care of his maternal grandparents and later with his paternal family in a rural, suburban area surrounded by vegetable farms, animals and simple living.

This environment helped shape his appreciation for community, humility and hard work, he said.

He attended Catholic school before transitioning to public education, but his connection to the Church remained strong. As a young man, he became involved as a Eucharistic Youth leader, both in Vietnam and later in the United States.

Father Thong’s family immigrated to the United States after being sponsored by an uncle, a diocesan priest in Atlanta.

The witness of clergy within his own family also played a significant role. His uncle inspired him, as did a cousin who is a religious sister in Saigon.

Yet Father Thong’s vocation was not without uncertainty. He hesitated but also felt compelled to act when he received an invitation to visit the Society of the Divine Word (SVD)’s Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa.

At first, the idea seemed daunting. He had never traveled far from his family, and the thought of leaving them was difficult. In fact, his mother wept when he first departed for Epworth to discern this path, yet he firmly held the simple conviction that his parents taught him.

“I believe that God will provide,” he said.

That trust became the foundation of his missionary spirit. Father Thong has embraced the SVD charism of going where Christ is not yet fully known. In fact, his first assignment as a priest will be in a land that he has yet to see. Father Thong will join the Australia Province, which includes Thailand, Myanmar and New Zealand.

Father Thong does not approach ministry with expectations of comfort or ease. Instead, he seeks to encounter “real ministry and real people,” trusting that God will use his gifts where they are most needed, he said.

During this past year, Father Thong served as a transitional deacon at St. Peter parish in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and its mission church in Star City.

His ministry was both structured and deeply pastoral. Each week, he assisted at Mass and Communion services in multiple communities, offering liturgies and homilies in both English and Spanish. He led Bible study, prayed the Rosary with parishioners and ensured a consistent sacramental presence.

Beyond the altar, his commitment extended to concrete acts of service. He dedicated time each week to a local food pantry, assisting low-income individuals and families, and he visited the homebound, bringing companionship and the presence of Christ to those who could not come to church.

He also accompanied his supervising priest in visiting parishioners, strengthening relationships within the community.

Recognizing the needs of his parish, Father Thong continued to grow in his ministry by studying Spanish, often through regular lessons conducted online. This effort reflects his desire not merely to serve but to truly connect with the people entrusted to his care.

Whether preaching, serving the poor, studying or simply accompanying others, Father Thong lives out a quiet conviction that has guided him from his childhood home to his present ministry.

“If God calls, God will provide,” he said.

At the heart of everything he does is a simple yet profound model: Jesus Christ. Father Thong said he strives to follow Christ’s example by going where he is needed most and embracing God’s will without complaint or hesitation.
“Let God’s will be done,” he said.