Hello everyone,

My name is Thao-Vy (Maria) Tran!

Almost a decade ago, the Lord invited me to leave all that I knew and loved in order to embark on the wild and wonderful journey of entering a convent almost 500 miles away from my home in Minnesota. I entered in September of 2017, supported by many family, friends, and encouraging folk from all around my home diocese and parish.

Through the years, the Lord has brought about an incredible amount of healing, freedom and restoration in my life as well as a renewed understanding of my life's mission to glorify Him in whatever circumstances I find myself in. Earlier this year, following months of deep prayer and intense discernment, it became apparent to me and those involved in my formation that the Lord was not inviting me to renew my vows in religious life. And that with this step, was an invitation to obediently follow Him into the unknown- but an unknown with the promise of abundant life!

I officially departed the religious community at the end of March this year, with the love and prayers of the Sisters whom I have come to know and deeply cherish over these past eight years. Although I was given a small stipend to help me get my feet on the ground, there really isn't much to my name right now! The reality is that oftentimes, women are greatly supported as they discern to enter the convent, but resources for those whom the Lord invites elsewhere are far and few between. 

That being said, I am currently in the process of searching for a vehicle that will help me with transportation needs, especially as I discern where the Lord is inviting me to next!

If you would at all be interested and able to assist me in this time of transition, I would be humbled and grateful for your generosity and help! The amount that I am hoping for, will help pay for the vehicle and thus, still allow me to take care of my other current needs with the small amount that I have.

Please know that if you have been a part of my journey of following Christ from the very beginning, that I deeply appreciate and felt your your continued support for me through all these twists and turns of life! And for those of you whom I have met along the way, I am so incredibly grateful that the Lord has let our paths cross on this side of eternity! 

If there are any particular prayer intentions I could pray for you, I would be honored to keep you in my prayers during this time. 

Once again, thank you for your generous prayers, encouragement, and support for me as I follow the Lord in this next chapter!

In Christ our Hope,

Thao-Vy (Maria)

P.S. If you are curious in reading more from me about this time of transition, I began writing my thoughts and reflections here: https://vibrantcatholic.substack.com/