25th First Profession
Sister Marie (Sister Marie Diem Trang) Nguyen
Birth name: Nguyen Thi Diem Trang
Birthplace: Saigon, Vietnam
Religious entrance: 1997
First religious profession: 2001
Final religious profession: 2008
Education: Associate’s in early childhood development, Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, Missouri, 2006
Bachelor’s in child and family development, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, 2016
Certificate in pastoral ministry, University of Dallas, Texas, 2023
Level I and II of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St. Louis, 2023
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Margaret of Scotland School, St. Louis, 2021-present
Catechist, Resurrection of Our Lord Church, St. Louis, 2024-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Springfield, Missouri, 2003-05 and 2008-10; and Dallas, Texas, 2016-17 and 2018-19
Substitute and assistant, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, Keller, Texas, 2019-21
Cathechist in Kansas City, Missouri, 1994-97 and 2011-14; Springfield, Missouri, 2002-11; Carrollton, Texas, 2016-17; and Garland, Texas, 2020-21
About Sister Marie Nguyen: Sister Marie’s parents are from the central region of Vietnam, where ancestral worship and traditions are ingrained deeply and protected carefully. Her dad became Catholic in his teenage years, and his family eventually became Catholic through his prayers and persuasion. Her mom joined the Catholic Church after marrying her dad. After Vietnam was lost to communism, her dad became a political prisoner in the so-called “re-education camps” for seven years. Sister Marie’s early childhood was absent of a father figure. She came to discover God as her protector and shelter and felt in the depths of her soul a quiet voice, a pull to serve. She volunteered in the choir and faith formation program. Immigrating to the United States, Sister Marie continued to serve. A voice began to emerge clearly that Jesus was inviting her to the consecrated religious life. Now reflecting on her life and family’s history, Sister Marie is convicted that God is good and gracious. He finds ways to call, reach, draw and propel people individually and amazingly to His love. God is awesome. She thanks and praises Him forever.
