The Sub-District chapter had finished. The project in California was a “hot
issue” that the Brothers talked about and discussed the most. On the second day
of the New Year 1988, Brothers Désiré and Phong went to Rome to meet Brother
John Johnston, Superior General, for submitting the propositions of the
Sub-District chapter and for an exchange of views, especially on the new project
in California. Brother Superior General showed particular interest in the new
project. He enthusiastically approved the contents of the project. Moreover, he
promptly had the whole document of the project faxed to the Conference office of
the Visitors of the United States and Toronto Canada Region.
There was an interesting coincidence that occurred. While the Visitors of the
USA-Toronto Conference had been at the meeting, the secretary brought to the
Conference Chairman a pile of faxed documents with the stamp APPROVED of Brother
Superior General from Rome. Every Brother Visitor seemed to be astonished at
being informed from such an APPROVED document relating to “the project in
California of the overseas Vietnamese Brothers.”
I didn’t know how to categorize such a “coincidence” whether as appropriate or
inappropriate. Only later did I know that the Conference of Visitors was more or
less uncomfortable and embarrassed, even upset. Although it was not one of
pre-set items in the agenda, the Conference of Visitors agreed, anyway, to spend
a few minutes looking at the document. According to its contents, the project
related to two mentioned Districts of Baltimore and San Francisco. The
Conference decided that “The Conference of Visitors is NOT involved in the
project, but the two mentioned Districts would directly take care of it.”
Indeed, both Brother Colman Coogan, Visitor of the Baltimore District and
Brother Mark Murphy, Visitor of the San Francisco District, agreed to arrange
and make decision on this project.
***
The Project in California was born at the right time, at the right place, and
by a right person.
. On the Right Time. It’s good to recall that in 1975, NOT every Vietnamese
Brothers who had been rescued by American ships on the high seas and who had
wished to be resettled in the United States, liked to be settled into different
American Districts. And the results from it were that nearly two third of the
Vietnamese Brother refugees quit the Congregation.
On a couple visits to my former Juniors and ex-Brother friends in Texas or
California, when I told to them about the Project in California, some of them
confided, after taking a long breath with a nostalgic regret, “If this kind of
project were from the beginning of our refugee journey, I would still be a
Brother! It’s regrettable!”
Brother Phong recalled to me that at the meeting with Brother Superior General
on January 2, 1988 - in company with Brother Désiré then Auxiliary Visitor of
the Sub-District of Saigon in Paris - John Johnston showed his interest and
enthusiasm in approving the “Project in California,” because perhaps, he, who
had been in Memphis in 1975 at the moment the most decisive for the fate of the
Vietnamese Brother refugees, could recognize that dispersing the Vietnamese
Brothers into different American Districts might not be quite the right
solution. [Brother Phong had written on the Project in California and said at
the Sub-District Chapter in December 1987: “We beg the American Districts to
lend without interest an amount of one million dollars for two years. With the
actual interest rate of 5%, we could cover board and room for a community of
three Brothers. Within two years, we would get enough income for the community
to be self-sufficient and gradually pay back the capital owed to the American
District leaseholders.” I didn’t know what other Brothers at the Sub-District
chapter thought about such a loan, but I was, personally and frankly, confident
and trustful in Brother Phong, because I had been convinced of his cleverness
and competence about organizing and promoting and leading to success several
movements and projects earlier.]
In addition, it was time for the Vietnam government to adopt glasnost, i.e.
the District of Saigon would consequently “rise up” in terms of doing something
for reviving the La Salle Vocation which had been buried for a so long a time
(Cf. Part Three: Apostolic Works in Vietnam after 1975.) But “rising up” is an
issue, and “doing something” is another delicate but not less important issue in
terms of psychological support and financial aid from outside of the country.
. At the Right Place. In general, the Vietnamese Communities in many States of
America had developed quite quickly on many points: social, economic, cultural,
etc., particularly in California where there were more than three hundred
thousand Vietnamese refugees after 1975.
. From the Right Person. I have known Brother Phong since the Junioriate at La
Salle Pellerin Hue in 1958. We, the Juniors, used to play together, just like
any little kids and enjoyed playing “under the leadership of little Phong” by
his dynamism and intelligently creative nimbleness.
When I had come to the United States for my studies, I heard my former students
and friends recall and admire Brother Phong for his zealous activities for young
people (Cf. page 104.) Thus, I thought, and I had been confident about it that,
if Brother Phong accepted - and he did accept - to proceed with the project in
California, the project was on the hands of the right person and would be
successful.
***
Brother Phong sent the Project in California to every overseas Vietnamese
Brother and requested that he proofread it and edit it if necessary so that the
complete and edited project would be ready for a debate by the end of 1989. In
addition, Brother Phong proposed and suggested that all Vietnamese Brothers
residing in the United States gather at Jeremy House of the Baltimore District
during three days December 30, 1989 to January 1, 1990, for a “final and
decisive” debate-meeting on the Project in California.
On the afternoon of December 29, 1989, Brothers Bertrand (from San Francisco,
California,) Genéreux (from New Orleans, Louisiana,) Joseph Hiep (from Oxford,
England, where he had been helping un-displaced minor Vietnamese refugees for
several months earlier, although he had belonged to the San Francisco District
since 1975,) Joseph Ninh (from Chicago, Illinois,) came to Philadelphia. Brother
Phong decided to phone other Brothers in the region of Philadelphia and Virginia
and Baltimore. Brothers Cosmas (from West Catholic community,) Valery (from La
Salle College High School,) John Chung (from Calvert Hall,) “Associate” Alphonse
Vũ Trần Thành (from Virginia,) and Brother Anthony Thành (from Jeremy House,)
joined together with the Brothers from other States who had come in the
afternoon for the dinner-gathering on December 29. We stayed for a few days at
Jemery House.
Brother Phong had prepared the Project in California brochure, very well with
detailed items which combined every opinion/idea and criticism from the
Vietnamese Brothers, sent to him a few weeks earlier. He also presented for the
group some enthusiastic and optimistic research and promises, as followed:
. The Brother Visitors Colman of the Baltimore District and Mark of the San
Francisco District were ready to approve and support financial aid for the first
steps of accomplishment of the Project in California;
. San Jose would be an ideal location for the project because there have been
four La Salle Sisters who wished to be “together and by association” with the
Brothers on the field of apostolic works. In addition, the Vietnamese community
at San Jose numbered about one hundred thousand Vietnamese refugees, with about
ten thousand Catholics included. So one of the goals of the project which is
“recruitment for La Salle vocations” would be appropriately and hopefully met.
Following the presentation of Brother Phong, Brother Genéreux gave a long talk,
debating and explaining “his own project” as followed:
I understand that the main goal of the Project in California is for gathering
the overseas Vietnamese Brothers into California and working together with the
spirit of “together and by association” among the Vietnamese communities, and by
that, recruiting new La Salle vocations. However, I’d like to present my
thoughts summarized in three points:
1. It’s reasonable and logical to choose California as a good place to implement
the project, but New Orleans is a place which calls for our attention, too. If
we focus on the “service of the poor,” I think that it’d be better doing it in
New Orleans, because Vietnamese people there are really poor. Most of them are
fishermen, and are Catholic refugees from North to South Vietnam after the
Accord of Geneva in 1954.
2. In terms of establishments, we don’t have in California any establishments
available yet. In new Orleans, we do have a center for apostolic activities:
after school program, Vietnamese language and vocational programs - e.g. wood
art, painting, instrumental music classes, etc. Moreover, we can open electronic
and computer classes if some Brothers, who have learned computer science or
electronic courses, get involved to consolidate and develop the existing
apostolic project in New Orleans. In addition, there is a Vietnamese parish in
Versailles, we so can teach catechism to young people and assist/help the
Vietnamese pastor on everything regarding faith and religion.
3. In terms of “personnel” - and this is a thorny matter everywhere - we are not
sure how many Brothers will involve themselves in the Project in California yet.
But in New Orleans, at least we have a permanent staff working at the La Salle
Versailles Center which include myself, ex-Brother Jean Ngọc, and some
“associates or partners” like ex-Brothers Long, Joseph Hanh, and some former La
Salle Vietnam students.
In conclusion, I suggest that we consolidate and develop the project in New
Orleans first, then after two or three or more years, we would start thinking
about expanding our mission to California.
There were many Brothers nodding their heads captivated by the words from
Brother Geùneùreux. Some whispered among themselves, “It sounds good! It’s
reasonable and feasible...”
There were some questions/answers about the actual activities of Brother
Genéreux and his staff in New Orleans. “How have they been working and
developing? The concrete number of students they have been serving? etc.” And
Brother Généreux’s answers to the inquiries seemed to be more than positive and
optimistic and enthusiastic. Although the discussion and sharing about Brother
Genéreux’s presentation was quite open-minded and fraternal, I personally felt
there was something sensitive and painful hovering around. Was Brother
Généreux’s presentation “off the agenda?” Or did it, in one way or another,
remind some Brothers of the “bad recollection of the disbanded Vietnamese
community at West Catholic a few years earlier?”
On the morning of the second meeting day, Brother Joseph Ninh, from Chicago,
requested that he explore Brother Généreux’s main idea in the presentation
yesterday by his presentation on another project he thought feasible, too. He
said, “In Chicago, the Vietnamese community is as numerous as in New Orleans,
even more numerous, and I recognize it’s much less than in California. But the
problem is not about the number of Vietnamese refugees residing in one city or
another. I think that our concern is about where and how the Project in
California, or in New Orleans, or even in Chicago, could be done. Brother
Généreux has analyzed two main favorable items which could make any project to
be feasible, namely the existing establishments and apostolic activities in New
Orleans. In Chicago, there would be no question of concern about the
establishments, because, I assure you, the Lewis University is more than happy
to supply as many rooms or building as necessary for the project. The second
point that Brother Généreux has mentioned is about his existing apostolic works
in New Orleans. I think that it’s not a too relevant issue, because whether in
New Orleans or in California or in Chicago, the demands for education within our
Vietnamese communities are always urgent and the same. So, why do I propose to
turn your attention onto Chicago? Well, I simply respond in saying that, in
Chicago, we may invest our zeal and strength to make our dream about the service
for our compatriots and for our Congregation come true. The only point in
realizing the project is the problem of ‘personnel’.”
Even though Brother Joseph’s sharing was less convincing than that of Brother
Généreux, his thoughts had opened a wider window onto various options which
could supply us with more ideas and opinions for the debate-meeting. Based on
detailed explanations on each items Brother Phong had meticulously analyzed,
plus two propositions/suggestions of Brothers Généreux and Joseph, we begun to
examine the Project in California.
1. Why in California? Nobody denied that the number of Vietnamese refugees in
California in general and in San Jose in particular, was far greater than in any
other States or cities. Thus, it was a good point for the project in California!
2. What about establishments, i.e. Activity Center and Community House? Although
there were no existing specific establishments for the project purpose in San
Jose yet, with the promises from the two Districts Baltimore and San Francisco
in coming to our assistance on the very first steps, i.e. “Loan Without
Interest(42)”, the problem of establishments could be solved by renting a house
for the community and a center for apostolic works. Brother Bertrand joyfully
and enthusiastically added, “An item of good news for the Project in California:
Actually, Saint Mary’s College of California is offering a job, looking for a
Manager at ACF (Academic Computer Facility.) The reason why I came here is to
bring Valeùry back with me, if possible, to SMC to be interviewed and to accept
that job. So, there is at least a job available for the future new community. I
assure you that I have begged Brother Eric, ACF Supervisor, to reserve that job
for Valery!” It was really a good news, but it was also too early to be enough,
because the critical question of “Personnel” was not clearly resolved yet.
3. Who would, actively, physically and in person, participate to the Project in
California? It was a tough question!
There were so many “If...” and “Maybe...” and “I don’t know!...” and “I
think...” that the discussion seemed to take all the afternoon of December 31
and the whole morning of January 1, 1990. Before the break for lunch time, we
all decided to stop giving opinions, ideas, and so on... but rather to
personally decide “YES” or “NO” in participating to the Project in California,
in the afternoon after lunch.
To start the last and decisive meeting, Brother Phong reminded every Brothers of
the previous decision, then clearly specified:
“NO, means that I, personally, do NOT plan to join the new community at this
moment;
“YES, means that I, personally, do plan to join the new community, right away.”
Brother Phong pointed at me, then said, “Valery! Let’s start with you!” Every
Brothers present at the scene laughed, while I was amazed, saying to myself,
“Perhaps because Brother Bertrand had announced good news about a job available
at SMC that Phong pointed at me first!” At the same time, my mind turned back to
the “second compromise” I had with Brother Désiré a few months earlier (Cf. page
169.) I said, “I suggest that Brother Bertrand start first, because if the
number of personnel is enough - three Brothers - to form a new community in
California, I would go back to Paris...” Many Brothers nodded their head in
agreement. Brother Phong then looked at Brother Bertrand, then asked, “What
about you, Brother Bertrand?”
. Brother Bertrand: “NO! Because I think if I stay outside, I can be more
helpful to the new community in terms of keeping contact and relation with the
District of San Francisco.”
. Brother John Chung: “NO”
. Brother Joseph Hiep: “YES”
. Brother Généreux Nhon: “NO”
. Brother Anthony Thành: “ NO for now. I would like to have my studies finished
before deciding whatever.”
. Brother Fortunat Phong: “The same as all of you.” I retorted, “What do you
mean? Didn’t we agree that ‘NO’ or ‘YES’ means I, personally, do not or do join
the new community?” Brother Phong said, “YES”
. Brother Cosmas : “NO for this time, maybe YES later”
. Brother Joseph Ninh: “NO”
. “Partner” Alphonse Thành: “I strongly support for the Project in California.”
It was my turn to decide. Brother Désiré’s face suddenly appeared to my mind,
now much more understanding and relaxed than earlier. Another face also appeared
to my mind, Brother Fidèle’s. He should be somewhere in California because I
clearly remembered that by the end of 1988, Brother Roger from France telephoned
and asked me to sign a check to pay for Brother Fidèle’s air ticket, at his
request. Indeed, Brother Fidèle was resettled in California in company with his
mother and sister. The whole family had been sponsored by Brother Fidèle’s
brother following the Ordered Departure Program (ODP) by the American
government. So I said, “You may know it, Brother Fidèle has been resettled in
California with his family on the end of 1988. I think it’s a good idea to call
to him and propose him to join the new community. We did have two Brothers,
Phong and Joseph, we also have Brother Fidèle, to complete in forming a new
community for the Project in California. What do you think?”
It raised a new wave of discussion. Some agreed. Some others disagreed. And each
one had his argument more or less well based. In addition, Brother Phong
informed us that Brother Benilde Tín had phoned to him saying, “Congratulations
and Best Wishes for the success of the Project in California! I’m trying to
visit your new community and stay there for a while, perhaps for six months. I
will not be involved in the Project in California for good. After six months or
so living with you guys there, I will decide!” It raised, again, more
discussions, widespread and inconclusive discussions about that matter, for a
while. At the end, Brother Phong suggested, “If Brother Fidèle agrees to join
the new community, it would be a good point for more consolidating and
developing our works in future. But for instance, I think that Valery, you
should tell us your decision “YES” or “NO” so that we can conclude in deciding
the sort of the Project in California, right now!” Although I felt like there
were something drag me in a difficult situation, I took a deep breath, then
said, “YES!”
So, a new community in California was formed.
***
On the morning of January 2, 1990, I accompanied Brother Bertrand flying back to
San Francisco. Before the flight, Brother Phong told me to profit from the
occasion to look around for a house “rentable or buyable” for the community. The
La Salle Sisters, Julienne Ngà and Magdaleine Tuyeát, picked Brother Bertrand
and me up from the airport and took us to their home in San Jose. At lunch time,
there were two other La Salle Sisters, Thérèse Sáng and Olivia Thanh. I hadn’t
known any of them before. They welcomed Bertrand and me as if we had known each
other a long time. It made me feel really easy and comfortable. After lunch,
Brother Bertrand drove me to Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and I stayed at
Joseph Alemany Community for a few days.
Brother Eric welcomed me in a cordially fraternal way. He was kind of a giant
man - tall and imposing - compared with ordinary Vietnamese guy like me. He was,
however, quite optimistic and friendly. I felt self-confident and easy talking
with Eric. He led me to meet Mr. Raymond White, vice-president at Saint Mary’s
College of California, for an interview. Mr. Raymond White, too, is a quite
friendly and open-minded man. I felt I am lucky.
To tell the truth, it was the first time in my life that I was to undergo an
interview for getting a job. Therefore, I had no idea what it would be like. Ray
handed to me a piece of paper and told me to read it. After reading the job
description, I confessed that I didn’t know much about computer and its
applications, especially about hardware, because at La Salle University, I
learned programming and software more than hardware. Moreover, I hadn’t had much
praticed experience with computers yet. Mr. Raymond comforted me saying,
“Brother, you’ll get experiences in working!” Hearing that, I knew that I had
been accepted. Frankly, the song I had heard in the 60’s or 70’s “I’ve got a
job” came to my mind, but I could not think nor feel what that singer/song
writer felt in singing or writing that song would be in anyway more
self-confident and enthusiastic. I was, overall, happily convinced that “The
Threshold of New Hope” has been gradually opening. Thank God!
Before leaving, Ray asked, “Brother Valery, I’m wondering when you can start
your new job?” I looked at Brother Eric who just smiled, saying no word. Ray
continued, “Brother, you may live at Saint Mary’s Community or at Joseph Alemany
Community and start your work at ACF next week. Is it OK?” I replied, “I am
sorry. I have to go back to Philadelphia, because the school year 1989-1990 is
not finished yet. I think I can come here by the end of May, 1990.”
***
Brother Bertrand drove me over to Pittsburg, California, to see the Rev.
Trong’s house. It was offered to be sold at the price of one hundred twenty
thousand dollars. It looked like a big box at the middle of a vast land covered
with wild grass. “There are four bed rooms and two bath rooms, “ said Brother
Bertrand. To be honest, I didn’t pay attention to the appearance of the house
and the environment, just thinking, “having a place to shelter is more than
enough!” Brother Bertrand agreed with me on this statement and said, “I’m
driving you to Napa to meet Brother Mark Murphy. Tell him that you have seen the
house for the new community. If he inquires about the price, tell him that the
real price is one hundred twenty thousand, but on papers, put only one hundred
thousand because, according to Rev. Trong, doing so he could pay less taxes...”
I listened to Brother Bertrand but said nothing.
Brother Mark Murphy, Visitor, was really gentle and upright! He welcomed
Bertrand and me in a sympathetic and benevolent way. He had known, of course,
the reason for my coming to Saint Mary’s College and to Mont La Salle. I told
him about the house which Bertrand just showed to me a few hours earlier, and
asked his advice about buying or renting it. While he still kept silent, I
explained to him that if we could buy it, we should follow the way that Brother
Bertrand had told me. Brother Mark seemed intrigued. Bertrand promptly
explained, “The other twenty thousand dollars are paid ‘under the table’...”
Brother Mark laughed, then said, “No! We cannot do it that way! If we have to
buy that house, let’s put in the exact cost value and if necessary, we’ll pay
for taxes.”
On the road back to Saint Mary’s College, Bertrand told me, “Mark is very nice!
If he agrees to pay taxes, what else is better than that?” I just laughed saying
no word. I was thinking about and wondering “Why does Rev. Trong want to sell
his house?” Anyway, dealing and buying are two different problems!
Back to Philadelphia on January 5, I told to Brothers Cosmas and Phong about
“How nice the La Salle Sisters welcomed all of us;” about “How I had been
accepted for a new job at Saint Mary’s College,” and especially “How sympathetic
Brother Mark showed himself toward the Project in California,” etc. Everyone
felt happy, optimistic, and hopeful for the future accomplishment of the Project
in California.