by Katie Patrick
Thirty-two years have passed since Tran first set foot in the United States. As a young boy, he left Vietnam alongside his mother, driven by the hope of a better life.
In February 1992, they arrived in the heartland of America, Lincoln, Nebraska, with little more than a handful of possessions, no command of the English language, and not a single familiar face in sight. It was in the midst of that bitterly cold month that they started their journey to build a new life.
Tran’s mother worked tirelessly, cleaning hotel rooms, while he dedicated himself to his studies. In Vietnam, education free from indoctrination was a rare privilege for children of his generation. Tran understood this privilege keenly and wasted no time in pursuing the American dream.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he pursued medical school in California, where he met his wife, married, and now resides while practicing medicine. Together, they are raising two children who share their unwavering determination and commitment to education, inspired by the lessons passed down by their parents and grandparents.
Nearly a year ago, Tran crossed paths with some of our staff at a local community event, where we had an information table set up. As he approached our team that day, his gratitude for all that Catholic Social Services had done for him and his mother more than 30 years ago was visible.
Tran is not the first former-refugee client to approach our staff with such humility and gratitude. It wasn’t directed toward particular staff members’ efforts, but rather the mission of Catholic Social Services that played a pivotal role in serving the Vietnamese community in the late 1980s and 1990s. Countless parishioners and parishes have played—and continue to play—vital roles in welcoming and hosting our clients.
To all of you who have extended a helping hand to refugees and immigrants in Nebraska over the years, thank you, thank you, thank you! Know that the families you have served undoubtedly hold you in deep gratitude.
I share Tran’s story with you because this Sunday, Sept. 24, the Catholic Church celebrates the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Since 1914, this day has been dedicated to remembering all those among us facing difficult situations, particularly those who are forced to leave their homes, communities, and nations. On this day, our prayers are especially for our brothers and sisters enduring dire and tragic circumstances. We pray that, in their vulnerability, they may encounter the love of Christ and God’s healing grace.
