When Seminarian Paul Tran was informed that his ordination to the diaconate would be in St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith, he was “full of joy” as the name of “the cathedral in my home Diocese of Đà Lạt in Vietnam is also St. Nicholas of Myra!”
This joy was felt by the over 600 people who crammed into the Penrith Parish and many more watching live online in Vietnam, to witness one of the final steps in Paul’s journey to become a priest – his ordination to the Diaconate.
Presided by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen, OFM Conv at the Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday – the ordination marked a profound moment of grace, as the Church witnessed Paul’s “yes” to a life of service, humility, and proclamation of the Gospel.
“[Today] is a great joy for me,” said Bishop Vincent.
“Bishop David Walker, Bishop Emeritus of Broken Bay, the visiting priests and deacons who join you in this community at St Nicholas Myra Penrith for the celebration of the fourth Sunday of Easter…which we confer the sacrament of the Diaconate ordination on our brother Paul.”
Paul Tran during his ordination to the diaconate at St Nicholas of Myra Penrith Parish on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April 2026. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ threetwoone.com.au
Taking up the challenge of the Cross
During his homily, Bishop Vincent reflected deeply on the example of Christ the Good Shepherd, drawing on the legacy of Pope Francis.
“The Word of God on this fourth Sunday of Easter teaches us that God reveals himself in powerlessness, humility and vulnerability. The God that Jesus embodies in his words and actions stands in solidarity with the downtrodden and gives himself away for their liberation.”
“To follow Jesus, therefore, is to abandon the default pursuit of power, ambition and self-interest. It is to go against the grain and take up the challenge of the cross and to emulate the self-giving God.”
Bishop Vincent reflected that Paul has embraced this challenge of the cross, as his path to ordination has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and deep faith.
Paul’s years of formation – five in Vietnam and seven in Australia – have shaped him into “a fellow pilgrim and servant of the people, especially the poor.”
And no one is prouder than Paul’s parents, Peter Tran and Agatha Dinh.
Looking back on their son’s journey, they speak of a dedication to his vocation that has only deepened through the years.
“Paul initially wished to follow Christ and serve the poor. His way of serving and living like a servant and a missionary became clearer and clearer over the years.”
“The more experience he has, the humbler and engaging he is. He is convinced (with) his vocation and (has) dedicated himself to God, the Church and people with all his heart.”
Deacon Paul Tran with his niece (in white) Theresa Nguyen and members of the Vietnamese Community. Image: Alphonsus Fok / threetwoone.com.au
“I Do”: A Life of service
At the heart of the ordination rite, Paul made his promises before God and the community.
When asked of his resolve to undertake the office of deacon with humility and charity, to proclaim the faith, and to conform his life to Christ, his response rang out with clarity and conviction:
“I do, with the help of God.”
In a powerful moment, he was entrusted with the Gospel and exhorted by Bishop Vincent.
“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”
This charge captures the essence of the diaconal vocation – a life where faith is not only proclaimed but lived.
Paul Tran lies prostrate in front of the altar during his ordination to the diaconate at St Nicholas of Myra Penrith Parish on Saturday 25 April 2026. Image Alphonsus Fok / threetwoone.com.au
Resourceful, creative and compassionate
Addressing the packed church, Fr Paul Marshall, Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, spoke candidly about the challenges Paul has overcome.
“Paul migrated to Australia aged 31… he’s had to learn a new language, a new culture,” he said, noting that his background of hardship taught him “the value and worth of all things.”
He also highlighted Paul’s creativity and pastoral heart.
“I’ve been impressed with Paul’s resourcefulness and creativity,” recalling how he made flutes from bamboo and taught himself to play.
More importantly, he emphasised Paul’s compassion, sharing that “he has a heart for the poor,” shaped through real encounters, including immersing himself among the homeless.
Concluding, Fr Paul affirmed the deeper meaning of Paul’s vocation:
“Your journey has been a statement of perseverance… and now as a deacon, you are called to serve the Church.”
Fr John Frauenfelder, Vice-Rector describes Paul as a man whose zeal continues to flourish: “Paul is full of enthusiasm; in fact, it grows each day.”
He praised his generosity and openness, noting that he “embraces every challenge head on” and is “always eager to learn and help.”
Confident in his future ministry, he affirmed that “Paul will take seriously the calling entrusted to him,” sustained by the love of the community – “a love that will be like the wind beneath his sails” – as he continues to grow in service to the Church.
Deacon Paul Tran with Holy Spirit Seminary Rector Fr Paul Marshall and Vice-Rector Fr John Frauenfelder, assisted by seminarian Macky Amores. Image: Alphonsus Fok / threetwoone.com.au
A Heart of Gratitude and Hope
In his heartfelt words of thanksgiving, Paul expressed deep gratitude for the gift of his vocation and the many people who had accompanied him on the journey.
“This is a special moment for me that God has given me,” giving thanks above all “for calling me to deepen an intimate relationship with Him and to serve His people.”
Entrusting his ministry to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Paul also offered sincere appreciation to Bishop Vincent, acknowledging his “fatherhood, synodal leadership and inspiration,” and thanking him for accepting, forming, and ordaining him.
He went on to thank the many communities, priests, mentors, and friends who supported him throughout his formation, describing them as a family who “share our joy and support together.”
This spirit of gratitude is mirrored in the hearts of Paul’s parents, who view his vocation as a grace that belongs to the whole family.
“It is a great joy for our family, particularly for us as his parents. He was influenced by our family’s way of practicing faith, so he does not follow Christ alone.”
“We walk with him always.”
Image: Alphonsus Fok / threetwoone.com.au
In a fitting and prayerful conclusion to the celebration, Bishop Vincent entrusted Paul’s ministry to the guidance of the Good Shepherd:
“Let us pray for Paul as he is ordained to the diaconate, which isn’t just a stepping- stone to the priesthood but a lifelong commitment to configure Christ the servant. May the Good Shepherd inspire and guide him in his ministry of immersion, accompaniment and service. Let his self-sacrificial love be the driving force of our Christian life.”
The celebration of Paul’s ordination to the diaconate aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s priorities of Formation and Community and its aim to be a Church that is Inclusive and Welcoming and Renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View images from Paul Tran’s ordination on Flickr or below.
