Society of Divine Word (SVD)-First Vows

2008 First Vows

Four novices professed their first vows at Techny on August 9. Jesús Mata Martinez, Sinh Hong Trinh, Hoa Nhu Nguyen and Peter Son Le are pictured with Provincial Mark Weber and Novice Director James Bergin.

Jesús Mata Martinez, 28, first considered joining the Society of the Divine Word when his
godfather, Jesus Zamarripa-Salazar (Western Province), invited him. In 2004, he immigrated to the United States and began English-language and philosophy courses at Epworth. When asked how Divine Word Missionaries inspire him, he replied, “by their work and gentleness, spirituality and care for others.”

Sinh Hong Trinh, 40, knew as a teenager that God was calling him to the priesthood. After four failed escape attempts from Vietnam, Sinh finally succeeded in 1989. In 2002, he completed his B.A. in philosophy at Xavier University in the Philippines. In 2006, he entered Epworth to study English. As Sinh approaches first vows, he said, “I want to learn and work internationally—anywhere in the world—to serve people.”

Hoa Nhu Nguyen, 24, was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States with his parents at age seven. After completing elementary and high school in Southern California, Hoa graduated from Divine Word College in 2007. Hoa has decided to become a Brother and will begin a master’s degree program in human services and counseling at DePaul University. Hoa hopes to work as a counselor for high school students.

Peter Son Le, 34, left North Vietnam with five of his ten siblings in 1989. He completed his B.A. in philosophy at Divine Word College and then entered the Associate Program living at Divine Word Theologate and studying at Catholic Theological Union. Of his time as a novice, he said, “I’ve learned how to pray and have a deep relationship with God through community life, SVD spirituality, vows and ministry.”