In the summer of 2019, upon graduating from Boston College, Luu Tran knew he was to use his God-given talents in the services of others. Tran returned home to Vietnam and joined the Cistercian Order, a Catholic religious order of monks and nuns. He was ordained Deacon in 2020 and took on the name Brother Salvio. Shortly after, he received his assignment to serve in the United States at Our Lady of Grace of Cistercian Monastery in Aptos, CA.

Brother Salvio’s friend and fellow Cistercian Sister Julie recommended he call Catholic Charities to assist with his immigration application. He took her advice and called the office in Watsonville. “The Catholic Charities community was very welcoming and helpful," Brother Salvio shared, "Words cannot express my gratitude.”

In March 2021, Catholic Charities began assisting him with navigating the complex journey toward legal immigration. “Brother Salvio is dedicated and determined; he has worked so hard towards his goals,” says Jeraline Singh Edwards, Catholic Charities Directing Attorney. "Helping people apply for citizenship is helping them achieve better possibilities. It is encouraging not only for that person but for the whole community."

With guidance and encouragement from program staff, Brother Salvio attended his immigration visa interview in April 2022, getting him closer to completing the legal immigration process. Four weeks later, on May 28, 2022, he received his Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship. “Catholic Charities Does the Works of Christ’s Hands. This work has helped me achieve a big milestone in my life. This achievement is not only for me but also for communities in Aptos and Vietnam,” he shared,

Brother Salvio serves as treasurer for his Cistercian community and is in the process of becoming a priest. You can also find him and his fellow monks tending to their regular duties of raising animals – including chickens, goats, and peacocks. “I keep the charity work of Catholic Charities in my daily prayers and ask God to grant his graces to all those who support their mission,” Salvio stated.

Stories like Brother Salvio’s story humble us and reassure our Catholic Social Teachings call to provide hospitality to newcomers as if welcoming Christ himself. Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey is one of the few non-profits in the region that provides affordable and trustworthy immigration services by the Department of Justice accredited staff.