The Very Reverend Luong Quang Tran

1958 - 2021

The Very Reverend Luong Quang Tran died Monday, November 22, 2021, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth surrounded by his family's prayerful presence. He was 63. He was pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in China, Texas, and was Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Beaumont.

A native of Binh Thuan, Vietnam, Luong Tran was one of 11 children of Mr. and Mrs. Tran Van Quang who both predeceased him. Most of his family arrived in the U.S. in 1975 but Father Tran didn't get here until 1980. The five years that separated them were difficult for Father Tran who missed his family, especially his mother.

Father Tran's family said, "We are very grateful for the memories we have shared with our dear brother Luong. We will miss him at every celebration and sharing of family meals which we will always cherish. We know he will continue to care and watch for us until we reunite.

"May God bless everyone who has touched him throughout his life."

Father Tran was known as a "country pastor" by his parishioners and many others who knew him and enjoyed his subtle sense of humor. He loved hunting - especially bow hunting. Many times when you saw him when the weather was cool, he was wearing a camo jacket. Though his home country of Vietnam always held a special place in his heart, Father Tran loved the United States and Texas.

He had graduated high school and attended two years of philosophy studies in Vietnam before beginning his journey to Southeast Texas. As with many, it was a long, and many times difficult, struggle to join his family.

After arriving in Texas, Father Tran completed his Philosophy studies at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving in 1985 and his graduate studies in Theology at St. John Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts.

Father Tran was ordained a priest at St. Anthony Cathedral on December 16, 1989, by Bishop Bernard J. Ganter. After ordination he served at Immaculate Conception, Liberty; St. Mary, Orange; St. Peter the Apostle, Groves; St. Charles Borromeo, Nederland; St. Joseph, Beaumont; and Our Lady of Sorrows, China, from 1999 until his death.

In an article in the East Texas Catholic in May 2010 Father Tran said how he discerned that he was called to the priesthood.

"It had to do with the religious education from the Dominican Sisters and the pastor of the parish where I grew up in Vietnam. They convinced me that God needed somebody to help and do the work for the Church."

In addition to his parish assignments he served as a chaplain for the Port of Orange, nursing home chaplain, on the liturgy committee, on the Presbyteral Council and on the College of Consultors. For 25 years Father Tran ministered in the diocesan Tribunal.

He helped many people with the annulment process through his ministry in the Tribunal office. He had completed his licentiate in Canon Law in 1996 at The Catholic University of America.

He is survived by his six sisters and four brothers including their husbands and wives along with twenty-five nieces and nephews - Dang & Yen Truong, Truc & Anh Tran, Tuyet Tran, Thoi & Van Nguyen, Hai & Linh Pham, Hoang & Loan Phan, Vu & Thu Tran, Thien & Nancy Tran, Trung & Gracie Tran, Khanh & Kathy Tran.

In remembrance of Father Luong Tran's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Diocese of Beaumont to support the many ministries of the diocese. In memory of Father Luong Tran, Diocese of Beaumont, 710 Archie St. Beaumont, Texas 77701.

The reception of Very Reverend Tran will be 2:00 p.m., with his Vigil service to follow at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 245 US-90, China. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 29, 2021, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at China Cemetery, China. The family requests that all guests wear a face covering when attending the services.

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com