Bishop Larry Silva lays his hands on the head of Anthony Tran ordaining him a deacon Jan. 6 in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. (HCH photos | Jennifer Rector)
By Jennifer Rector
Hawaii Catholic Herald
In the early evening of Jan. 6, Hawaii seminarian Anthony Tran gained a new identity — deacon. It is a title he will hold in transition until he reaches his ultimate goal, priesthood, on May 24.
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu was filled with witnesses to Tran’s diaconate ordination by Bishop Larry Silva. Priests, deacons, seminarians, friends and family all the way from Southern California attended.
“Becoming an ordained transitional deacon is a significant milestone on my journey toward priesthood, and it fills me with profound emotions,” Tran told the Hawaii Catholic Herald by email after the ordination.
This journey toward his heart’s yearning would not have been possible without the encouragement and support from his loved ones and mentors.
“Gratitude fills my heart,” he said, “as I recognize that I am not on this path alone … all of them have played an essential role in shaping my journey.”
Bishop Silva was among those who influenced Tran’s discernment.
In his homily — the liturgy was for the Feast of the Epiphany — the bishop directly addressed the deacon candidate, comparing him to the Star of Bethlehem.
“You shine with the radiance of joy. A joy that sheds light on all of us as well. But you are not a star in the sense of a celebrity, but rather in the sense of that famous star that led the wise men on a journey of discovery,” said Bishop Silva.
The Epiphany was an important event that made a difference to the whole world, the bishop said. Now it’s Anthony’s turn to make that difference in those around him.
“You are designated and ordained from this day forward to shine in order to lead others to Jesus,” Bishop Silva said.
“Like the Star of Bethlehem, your mission is to shed light on the journey of many so that you can lead them to Christ into this Bethlehem, this ‘house of bread,’ where they will be fed from the manger with the food that turns all from beastly creatures to beloved sons and daughters of the eternal God.”
“The star that played such a key role in this story of the Epiphany is a call to service … So as a deacon, your call is to be a living sacrament of Christ the servant,” said the bishop.
After the homily and the lengthy Litany of Supplication during which Tran lay prostrate before the altar, came the moment of ordination, when Bishop Silva gently lay his hands on Tran’s head while silently invoking the Holy Spirit.
Tears were flowing from Tran’s parents, Minh and Anh-Tuyet Tran, and even from the bishop. It was an emotional moment and one that Anthony’s parents, who were there from Southern California, said they will never forget.
“I’m feeling very blessed,” said Tran’s mother, Anh-Tuyet, after the Mass. “We’re very happy.”
When asked how they raised a son to become a priest, Anh-Tuyet responded, “It is kind of hard to raise kids, but any time, any moment, any minute with God, (they are) in God’s hands.”
“Now, as an ordained transitional deacon, I find myself one step closer to fully embodying my calling as a priest of Jesus Christ,” Tran said.
The new deacon stands with his mother Anh-Tuyet Tran, Bishop Silva and his father Minh Tran. (HCH photo | Jennifer Rector)
“This realization brings about a deep sense of excitement and anticipation. I am eager to continue my work in the Lord’s vineyard, knowing that I am moving closer to fulfilling the mission he has set before me,” he said.
“I embrace this opportunity to serve as a humble servant of God, to bring his love and teachings to those in need, and to be a beacon of faith and hope in the world,” the new deacon said.
Tran returns to St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California, where he is currently studying, for one more semester before coming back to the Diocese of Honolulu to prepare for his priestly ordination.
“I am pursuing a master’s in divinity and will complete my seminary formation,” said Tran. During his last term he will assist working with youth at St. Francis of Assisi Church in East Palo Alto.
His priesthood ordination is scheduled for May 24.
As Tran moves forward, he asks for prayers.
“I ask for your continued prayers as I now serve as a transitional deacon and God willing as a priest in the near future for the Diocese of Honolulu. Please also pray that the Diocese of Honolulu be blessed with more priestly vocations,” said Tran.
Tran, 41, was born in the Los Angeles suburb of Westminster, the youngest of two children. He first entered the seminary in 2008 for the Diocese of Orange, California, but left after a few years. He joined the Diocese of Honolulu in 2021.
