Dat Lat, the road of the heart (Vietnam)

Sr Agnes Phuong sspc

A Heart on Mission

I’ve been blessed to take part in many Ignatian Retreats through the Society of Jesus, especially the Journey of the Heart program. Every time I sit with participants—whether an 18‑year‑old searching for purpose or a seasoned professional of 55—I am reminded of a profound truth: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

A quiet hunger in a noisy world

Our modern world is loud with ambition, achievement, and material comfort. Yet beneath the polished exterior I often encounter a quiet ache—an unspoken longing for something deeper.People who seem to “have it all” still yearn to be truly understood. They crave space to breathe, to be held in empathy, to rediscover a peace they lost somewhere along life’s path.

And in these sacred moments, I stand not only as a spiritual guide but as a Missionary Sister of St. Peter Claver. Every conversation becomes an open door—a chance to live out the mission entrusted to me.

What my heart longs to do

• Awaken vocations, planting small seeds of courage in hearts that are restless for meaning

• Help young people find true direction again, guided by the quiet brilliance of the Gospel

• Kindle a missionary spirit, introducing them to our Congregation and the Union of Masses

What surprises me—though perhaps it shouldn’t—is how readily people respond. Their hearts may be tired, but they are not closed. They want to support the missions; they want to serve; they want to rediscover the joy of faith.

Carrying the flame forward

So I try to use every gift, every encounter, every moment of grace to let the flame of missionary love burn brightly—brighter than discouragement, brighter than doubt.My prayer is simple: that more willing, skilled, and loving “harvesters” will rise, ready to carry Christ’s hope to the ends of the earth.

May countless souls be gathered for the Lord.May His joy be our strength.And may His mercy—endless and tender—continue to guide us all.