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Dat Tran , S.J.
Where are you from and from what sort of family? What did your parents do for a living, how many siblings?
I was born in Viet Nam. I came to the state in 1989 after spending two years in a refugee camp in Thailand. I grew up in a Catholic family, which was traced back to my great grand parents. My dad has four siblings and only two of them are living. My mom also has four siblings who are living in the United States. During my childhood, I spent a lot of time with aunts, uncles, and cousins. I really enjoyed my extended family. I am the youngest in my family of 9 people.
What sort of education did you have before entering the Jesuits and from where?
I graduated high school in Viet Nam. I went to Portland State University and earned a master degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
What attracted you to the Jesuits?
I had thought about religious life after working for three years. Jesuit life had never crossed my mind since I never had any contact with Jesuits. I thought about Dominicans and Redempterists, whom I had opportunities to know. I met Jesuits by chance through a conversation with a sister in Spokane. From then, I had opportunities to know several Jesuits whom I really admired. I was deeply touched by their commitments to work and to ministry.
During your discernment to join the Jesuits what was the one thing that most prompted you to enter? Was it a conversation with a particular person, a prayer experience, or perhaps a visit to the novitiate?
My vocation as a Jesuit was confirmed during a candidate weekend at the novitiate of the Oregon Province. I had a profound experience, a deep affirmation about Jesuit life, after receiving the Holy Communion during the celebration of Easter Vigil at the novitiate during that weekend. For me, the call to Jesuit life is an ongoing experience that continues to unfold.
What do you like best about being a Jesuit?
I like the Ignatian spirituality in Jesuit life in which one is constantly aware of a calling for a greater service by letting go attachments. As a result, one experiences an inner freedom for a greater service.
I also like to talk to elder Jesuits because they are living examples of a life that I am humbly called to be a part of. Jesuit life is a gift, a gift that I am gratefully receiving from God.
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