They Crossed an Ocean to Become Carmelite Nuns Here
Vietnam is far from Lafayette, LA, but there is a common thread of faith between the two. On July 16, two Carmelite sisters from Vietnam made their profession of Solemn Vows at the Carmelite Monastery of the Mother of Grace in Lafayette.
The sisters made a sacrifice in leaving their homeland to come, said Fr. Marion Joseph Bui, a Discalced Carmelite from Arkansas, who was among the “boat people” who came to the United States from Vietnam in 1981, and who was instrumental in bringing the two sisters.
Sr. Marie Camille of Jesus (Hoang Thi Thuong) and Sr. Marie Joseph of the Eucharist (Pham Thi Lan) made their profession in the presence of their former prioress from Hue, Vietnam, Mother Marie Ange.
“We also thank Mother Regina and all the sisters here for receiving us so lovingly and for helping us as we endeavor to incorporate ourselves into a new community and culture,” the sisters said. “We left behind a community which we cherished, but we have found here in Lafayette, a Carmelite family which has become as dear to us as the Carmel in Hue.”
Read the full article and see the slide show at the website of the Lafayette Carmelites.