Two joyful milestones

On 1 August 2026, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC.) in Vietnam celebrated two joyful milestones in the life of the Society: The Perpetual Profession of Brother Andrew Thông Simon Phan Trung Kiên, MSC., and the Investiture of two Vietnamese candidates in the Philippines.

Perpetual Profession
The Perpetual Profession Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Ho Chi Minh City. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Vincent Doan Nguyen Thanh Danh, MSC., Superior of the MSC Community in Vietnam, together with some concelebrating priests. Religious, benefactors, members of Brother Kiên’s family, friends, and the faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving for this joyful occasion.

In his homily, Fr Joseph Bui Vu Quang, the Director of the MSC scholasticate, reminded us that perpetual profession is not the culmination of one’s personal achievements nor simply a milestone in religious life. Rather, it is a response to God’s loving call. By professing the Evangelical Counsels of Obedience, Chastity, and Poverty, religious men and women and indeed all Christians are invited to bear witness to God’s love. This witness is lived out through attentive listening to God’s will, as discerned by Superiors and the Community; loving with a free and undivided heart for God and others; remaining detached from worldly possessions; and generously offering one’s life in service of others.

During the liturgy, Brother Kiên made his perpetual profession before Fr. Vincent Danh, the delegate of the Superior General, the official witnesses, and the gathered assembly. Through his perpetual vows, he consecrated himself permanently to God in the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, committing his life to the Evangelical Counsels and to the mission of spreading God’s love entrusted to the Society.

The Investiture
On the same day, the Investiture of Novices took place at the MSC Novitiate in the Philippines. Twelve candidates were formally admitted beginning their novitiate formation, including two members of the Vietnam Community: Dominic Nguyen Hoang Long and Joseph Tran Van Trung. Fr. Thành Vũ, as representative of MSC Vietnam, was present in this special event. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Dennis Villarojo, Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos. The Rite of Investiture was led by Fr. Edwin Borlasa, MSC, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province.

These celebrations are a grace-filled reminder of God’s continuing call to missionary discipleship and of the generous response of those who dedicate their lives to His service. The Vietnam Community gives thanks for the gift of these vocations and invites everyone to pray for Brother Andrew Kien and for the new novices as they continue their journey of formation and faithful service.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus strengthen them with His love and grace, so that they may become joyful witnesses of the Gospel and faithful missionaries, bringing God’s compassionate love to all people.

Minh Doan, MSC. Australian Province