Fr. Dominic and Fr. Franco Installed as Provincial and Vice-Provincial

By Fr. Mike Mendl, SDB, and Miss Julia St. Clair, Province Communications Director

(New Rochelle, NY – August 14) – On Saturday, August 12, the General Councilor for Interamerica Region Fr. Hugo Orozco Sanchez, SDB, installed Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB, as provincial and Fr. Franco Pinto, SDB, as vice-provincial of the SUE Province.

The ceremony took place with a votive Mass of St. John Bosco in the chapel of Salesian High School and began at 10:30 am ET. About 100 people took part in the Mass, including 32 concelebrating priests, 12 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, 10 Salesian brothers, two 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 alumnus Chris Moronta led the sacred music.

After Provincial Secretary Fr. Dave Moreno read Fr. Dominic’s letter of appointment from the Rector Major, 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 beamed. “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 youth who are in danger. For this, we place our trust in Jesus.”

Next, first Fr. Dominic, and then Fr. Franco 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 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 shared that we’re privileged to be missioned to the young in our province. He thanked everyone who has supported Fr. Franco and him in the past and will continue to do so.

Additionally, Fr. Dominic gave a shoutout to Fr. Joseph Vien Hoang, SDB, who helped him join the Salesians. He finished with a shoutout to Fr. Tim Zak, SDB, his predecessor, who he mentioned had been in charge of formation while he was a candidate in Orange. Then, everyone expressed their gratitude to Fr. Tim through a long applause.

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

Please pray for Fr. Dominic and Fr. Franco as they begin their terms as our provincial and vice-provincial. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us! St. John Bosco, pray for us!

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