Six young men professed vows with the Society of the Divine Word this year. We invite you to get to know them. Today, we introduce Truong An Duc Nguyen SVD.

Name: Truong An Duc Nguyen SVD

Age: 32

Hometown: Son Hoa, Phu Yen, Vietnam

Languages: Vietnamese and English

Ministry during novitiate: Minister of Communion to the sick of St. Norbert parish

Favorite book: The Bible

Tell us about a time when you felt God’s presence: I was traveling with my two younger sisters in Japan. At a local Church, I attended Sunday Mass. During that Mass, I felt God’s presence among us despite of the language barrier.

When did you first feel the call to be a missionary? When I lived at Epworth, Iowa. I was living with many people who were different from me, but we had the same spirit- intercultural dialogue. I learned from other missionaries’ experiences and vocation stories.

How has living with the SVD brothers and priests at Techny inspired you? They showed me the true spirit of a missionary and that you can do mission anywhere and at any age. They used prayer and witness to show their love for mission and the Church.

What was the biggest challenge during this past year? I think that living community life was the biggest challenge for me.

How did the early experience of novitiate change after the COVID-19 pandemic? During my novitiate year, the pandemic was still around, and I think it is still a main concern for those who do ministry. I learned to be effective in my ministry field and wore a mask. That experience was a challenge and an opportunity to learn how to be a missionary in spite of the issues of the world today.

What are your hopes for the coming year? I hope that my vocation journey will be enhanced by the inspiration of those with whom I live, those whom I serve, and ultimately the Triune God.