Cuong Quoc Dang SVD’s profession of final vows as a Divine Word Missionary in Box Hill, Melbourne, this month, followed by his ordination as a deacon, were pivotal moments in a winding, but grace-filled vocational journey.

Accompanied by his mother and parish priest, who travelled from Vietnam to share in the joy of the occasion, Cuong was also surrounded by fellow Divine Word Missionaries and other religious and lay people connected to the SVDs.

Reflecting on his journey after his profession of vows, Cuong recalled: "Being a Divine Word Missionary was not what I wished for before.”

“About 15 years ago, when I was a university student, I went online to research different religious orders in Vietnam. When I came across Divine Word Missionaries, my reaction was that I simply skipped the SVD without hesitation. I was not interested in the SVD at this time. The idea of leaving family behind, learning a new language, and adapting to a new culture were too difficult for me to follow.

“However, what I dislike today may come back to me tomorrow. This saying proved true when I took a new journey to Thailand where I met the SVD in person and joined the SVD until today."

Cuong’s journey to religious life began in Vietnam, then led him to Thailand, where he experienced a spiritual awakening amidst the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Immersed in the cultural and religious tapestry of Buddhist Thailand, Cuong found himself drawn into the stream of migrants, discovering a deeper calling that beckoned him to serve.

"Under the influence of globalisation, migration is happening forcefully in many countries around the world. The wave of migration has contributed to the formation of a new Church model. It is the Church on the move, where hurried steps set out with hope for a brighter future. I found myself immersed into the stream of migrants and became a member of the Church on the move, where I found the calling that God wanted me to follow," Cuong reflected.

Notable to Cuong's vocational discernment was his encounter with Fr Anthony Le Duc SVD, a Divine Word Missionary priest dedicated to serving Vietnamese Catholic migrants in Bangkok. Witnessing Fr Anthony’s commitment to accompanying and empowering the marginalised, broadened Cuong's understanding of priestly ministry, transcending traditional pastoral roles to encompass advocacy and social justice.

Witnessing these outreach activities helped Cuong to understand more fully the nature of missionary work as an act of serving the marginalised and fostering a sense of solidarity with those in need. He understood more deeply the transformative impact of collective efforts in addressing systemic injustices and fostering community empowerment.

In 2016, Cuong decided to apply to the Society of the Divine Word, Australia Province as a postulant. He was accepted by the SVD admission board and entered the formation program as the first Vietnamese migrant worker in Thailand to be accepted. Cuong spent the following year learning English in order to prepare himself for subsequent steps in the formation program. His journey continued through the Philippines for Novitiate. Here, he took his first vows as a Divine Word Missionary. He then went on for theology studies in Australia, where he professed his final vows. Each step of the way, Cuong encountered challenges but also opportunities for growth and transformation.

Preaching on the Prologue to St John's Gospel, chosen for the day, Provincial, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD said Cuong must make the Logos, the Word made flesh, the centre of his missionary life.

“It is a moral obligation for us as members of the Divine Word and Cuong and those who are going to renew their vows this morning to proclaim the Word of God in all our missionary endeavours,” he said. “Pope Francis recently said in one of his encyclicals: ‘Today, missionary activity still represents the greatest challenge for the Church and the missionary task must remain foremost’.”

“I pray and hope that you Cuong will cultivate an awareness of the Logos in all creation, and awareness of the Word of God in the world and work towards restoring creation … and be a witness always to the Light and the Truth.

“Your mission, Cuong, as you are about to make your profession to follow Jesus and the greatest cause ever, the Kingdom of God, is to make your own mind the mind of Christ Jesus who is the image of the invisible God.”

After indicating his resolve to proceed, Cuong lay prostrate as the Litany of Saints was sung over him. He then made his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience according to the Constitutions of the Society of the Divine Word.

"I cannot be here today without the help and support of many people," Cuong expressed gratefully at the end of the Perpetual Vows celebration. "From my parents, mentors, and fellow Divine Word Missionaries to the wider community, each has played a significant role in my vocation journey. It has been a winding and complicated journey filled with challenges but also opportunities for me to learn, grow, and transform."

The following day, Cuong was ordained to the diaconate by Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Terence Curtin. He was clothed in his deacon’s vestments by his mother and Fr Anthony, who travelled from Thailand to attend the celebrations. Speaking afterwards, he thanked God, his parents and confreres, academic professors, tutors, spiritual directors and all who had helped him on his journey and asked those present to continue to pray for him in the journey ahead.

Cuong’s first mission assignment will be to Angola after ordination to the priesthood later this year.

With thanks to Fr Anthony Le Duc for his significant contribution to this article.

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: Cuong Quoc Dang SVD takes his final vows.

MIDDLE LEFT: Cuong gives thanks after his final vows with his mother and mentor, Fr Anthony Le Duc SVD.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Bishop Terence Curtin lays his hands on Cuong during the ordination to the diaconate.

BOTTOM LEFT: Cuong with his mother, Bishop Terence Curtin and Cuong's parish priest from Vietnam.