Khan Tom Fram (left) with Pope Francis (right)

Please Pray for my Country!

My name is Khan Tom Fram and I am a seminarian from the Diocese of Boun Ma Thuot in Vietnam. I am writing to thank you, my benefactors, for helping me to complete my studies for the priesthood. This is my fifth year in Rome, my third year of Theology, and the last one that I will spend in the Eternal City.

Over the past year I have been doing pastoral work at a parish in the town of Cavriago, in the diocese of Reggio Emilia (Italy). I have grown so much interiorly through the pastoral life of working in this parish. I know that this experience will be very useful for me when I return home to my country.

Another highlight this year was being able to assist Pope Francis at the celebration for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. I was able to greet Pope Francis and say, “Holy Father, I am from Vietnam, please pray for my country!”; and he replied: "I would like to go to Vietnam.”

It brings me great joy to pray for my country, where many Catholics only hear or see the Holy Father on the Internet, and where many would like to see him with their own eyes. This has been my wish for a long time. 

My heart gives thanks to God for the immense grace of having been able to spend this time in Rome and to study at Santa Croce. Thank you for everything! I keep you present in my prayers.