Sr. Annatram (Tram) Nguyen, Apostolic Sister

A Profession of Vows: One Sister's Story

A day was coming, the day I had been waiting for and when it actually came, I was so nervous! The day of my first profession of Vows was here, July, 30, 2005. It wasn’t that I was confused about my vocation to Good Shepherd, but that I knew this is the day that would open a new chapter in my life. I wanted to say “YES” and live it completely.

I chose the saying of our Foundress, St. Mary Euphrasia, “I only loved”, as the theme for my Vow Celebration and you may be wondering why...The day I began my journey with Good Shepherd, I knew that this life would take a lot of courage, strength and a faithful prayer life; but I also found out that the key for this life is LOVE. If I really loved this call, I would be happy.

Saturday morning, July 30, was not like other mornings. Everybody was happy! My family members were with me and I knew they couldn’t wait either for the moment I made my Vows in the Good Shepherd Congregation. I could see a happy face on each of my sisters gathered in the Province Center Chapel. I was so happy too, but nervous!

About 9:30 a.m. I sat in Sister Barbara’s office to write my Vows in the Congregational Vow Book. I had to pause several times to ask myself, “Do I really want to say yes to God?” “Can I live these Vows with all my heart?” A lot of questions were inside me; but the answer I found was LOVE! Love has given me strength and courage these last three years to follow the call of the Shepherd, and now it will give me courage to say strongly “YES” once again. Like St. Mary Euphrasia, I don’t have anything special either. I do know and am sure that I do love. It was love that filled my heart and gave me such peace as Father Peter De Vo began the Mass.

I sang with all my heart and professed my Vows with all my love. I know I have to grow in this call, but I also know, if I go deeper in this love, I will be able to say with St. Mary Euphrasia, “I only loved, but I loved with all the strength of my soul” or like St. Paul, who said, “...it is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

I take this opportunity to say “Thank You”, to each Sister in the Province for all your prayers on my behalf. I especially want to express my gratitude to those who in any way, loved and supported me with their patience and guidance.


In humble gratitude,
Sr. Annatram Nguyen, RGS: Chicago


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