Beauty, goodness and truth pave the road to the Diaconate
Fr Huy Tran says three major conversions in his life set him on the path to Holy Orders.
Born in Vietnam and growing up in a faithful Catholic family, it was the Mass and study that led him to respond to God’s call.
"I heard my calling since I was a kid. Over the years, it has been three conversions," Fr Huy says.
"There was a conversion to beauty when I was a kid, the first time I went to the Mass with my dad and I saw the beautiful vestments of the priest and I wanted to be a priest. As a kid I thought that was a pretty good reason," he says.
"Then the conversion to goodness, when I joined the altar boys in my parish, seeing what the priest did and participating in the activities of the priest.
"Then the conversion to truth in the seminary, when I first studied the simplicity and truth fo God. They have all helped me to make my decision."
Fr Huy entered seminary in Vietnam in 2013 and studied a university degree in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. After he graduated from his degree, he joined the major seminary.
"At that time, my bishop asked if I was willing to go to a different country to be a missionary and I eventually ended up in the Diocese of Broken Bay at the end of 2018."
Ahead of his ordination, he says he felt a mix of nervousness and excitement.
"I’m looking forward to being back in the Diocese, to work and minister there," he says.
"The harvest is abundant so I hope to contribute what I have been given, to the people who I have been entrusted with.
"I’m looking forward to being in the parish, baptising, witnessing marriages and officially preaching in the Mass.
He looks back fondly on his time of preparation over the past few years.
"Doing pastoral work in the hospital was very much confirming my vocation," he says. "I’ve enjoyed accompanying people personally and having that interaction with people and having them sharing their lives with me.
It's all life giving. I try to help and console people, trying to be Christ to other people and showing that in those moments."
For Fr Huy, his vocation has been a love affair and its one he encourages other young men within the Diocese to discern.
"Above all, it's love," he says.
"Love is the most important part of every vocation. It’s not just a romanticised love but it's to will the good for someone else. That’s the moments you find God."
Fr Huy Tran was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Broken Bay on 29 April 2026.
