Fr. Dominic Tran Installed as Provincial

Fr. Dominic Tran Installed as Provincial
Fr. Franco Pinto Becomes Vice-Provincial

By Julia St. Clair and Fr. Mike Mendl

Fr. Dominic Tran, Fr. Hugo Orozco, & Fr. Franco Pinto

(New Rochelle, N.Y. – August 14) – On Saturday, August 12, Fr. Hugo Orozco, general councilor for the Interamerica Region installed Fr. Dominic Tran as provincial and Fr. Franco Pinto as vice provincial of the Eastern Province of the U.S. and Canada

The ceremony took place within a votive Mass of St. John Bosco in the chapel of Salesian High School in New Rochelle beginning at 10:30 a.m. About 100 people took part in the Mass, including 32 concelebrating priests, 12 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, 10 Salesian brothers, 2 novices, members of Fr. Tran’s family, numerous Salesian Cooperators, the incoming group of Salesian Lay Missioners, and staff from the provincial center, Salesian High School, and Salesian Missions. Salesian H.S. alumnus Chris Moronta led the sacred music.

Provincial secretary Fr. Dave Moreno read Fr. Dominic’s letter of appointment from the Rector Major.  As a homily Fr. Hugo spoke to Fr. Dominic. He stated how it’s very natural for Salesians to give their lives to young people. He advised Fr. Dominic that the love for his 132 confreres that the Rector Major has entrusted to him is also part of loving Jesus.

“Love them as a father, even if they’re older than you,” Fr. Hugo exhorted. “I know with your goodness and your intelligence you will be able to do it very well.”

Fr. Hugo used the Gospel (Matthew 17:14-20) to comment on the paternal love of the father of the possessed boy. He urged Fr. Dominic to learn from this father, who suffered from the danger that took hold of his son. Fr. Hugo also noted that while Jesus was upset by the crowd’s lack of faith, the father expressed his faith. He urged Fr. Dominic to pray for his confreres.

“Jesus healed the boy, an act that points to the saving power of God,” Fr. Hugo continued. “Our education of the young has the same purpose: to point out God’s love, especially for youths who are in danger. For this, we place our trust in Jesus.”

Profession of Faith

Fr. Dominic and Fr. Franco individually professed their faith in the Christian Creed and the teachings of the Catholic Church. They then signed their official documents, which Fr. Hugo also signed.

At the end of Mass, Fr. Dominic shared some words based on the World Youth Day pilgrimage he attended recently. He was impressed especially by Pope Francis’s frequent repetition, “God loves you.” Therefore, Fr. Dominic reminded us that we are here today because God loves us.

“Jesus came here to reveal God’s love to us, and we are here thanks to the Holy Spirit who pours God’s abundant light on us from the moment of existence,” Fr. Dominic exclaimed.

He voiced his gratitude for Don Bosco and the guidance of Mary Help of Christians. Fr. Dominic stated that we’re privileged to be missioned to the young in our province. He thanked everyone who has supported him in the past and will continue to do so.  Fr. Dominic paid tribute to Fr. Joseph Vien Hoang, presently parochial vicar in Port Chester, N.Y., who fostered his vocation in Vietnam. He finished by commending Fr. Tim Zak, his predecessor; the congregation applauded vigorously for Fr. Tim.

Following the Mass, everyone celebrated with Fr. Dominic and Fr. Franco at a luncheon in the school cafeteria.

Fr. Hugo and the new provincial council

Bro. Bill Hanna, Fr. Dave Moreno, Fr. Dominic, Fr. Hugo, Fr. Franco, Fr. Lou Molinelli

(missing: Fr. Mike Conway, still province treasurer)