Fr Truc bids a fond farewell

By Catherine Sheehan

Fr Truc Hoang CP has transferred to the Passionist community in Oxley, Brisbane, after serving as an assistant priest at St Joseph’s in Hobart for the past 16 months.

In a heartfelt speech to parishioners prior to his departure, Fr Truc expressed his gratitude for the warmth he had received in the parish.

“I remember when I was first asked to come here,” he said. “I had no idea about Hobart, no idea about Tasmania. No idea about his community. But when I arrived in this community I was immediately welcomed by all of you… I was embraced by all of you.

“You encouraged me and prayed for me… this was the first time I lived far away from my country.

“Your love, your support, your prayers, have sustained me, both in the good times and in the difficult times. I will always be thankful. Your loving kindness, your hospitality, are a lesson for me. I will always carry what I have learned here with me in my ministry.”

Before arriving in Hobart in 2023, Fr Truc served the Passionist communities in both Melbourne and Marrickville NSW for two years. Prior to that, he served as a priest for five years in his native Vietnam.

Parish Priest Fr Justin Durai CP said Fr Truc’s “lively presence” would be missed.

“We’ll be missing Fr Truc,” he said. “He is so dynamic, very active and full of energy.”

Fr Truc asked for prayers as he enters a new phase of his ministry in Brisbane.

“Brisbane is another new place,” he said. “A new chapter in my life. Therefore, I ask you to pray for me so I can do my ministry there with a lot of fun, a lot of joy, and peace.”