ASEC: Our Team
Sr. Nhung Duong, FMSR
Writing Intern, Mission Advancement“My journey is a testament to the power of faith, education, and service to shape a life of purpose and meaning”
Born and raised in Vietnam, Sister Mary Paul Nhung Duong is a devoted member of the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Holy Rosary of Chi Hoa (FMSR). Currently pursuing a double major in English Writing and Religious Studies at Marywood University, she reflects the values instilled by her parents, who emphasized selflessness and societal contribution. Encouraged by their guidance, Sister Mary Paul actively engaged in volunteer work, utilizing her skills to positively impact the world. Her academic journey commenced at Ho Chi Minh City Pedagogical University from 2004 to 2008, driven by her aspirations to become a secondary school educator. During undergraduate years, her experiences were expanded through part-time work. Specifically, from 2006 to 2009, she was employed as an assistant collaborator at the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies at Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities. This role involved actively organizing conferences on developing Asian languages, such as Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese. Yet, despite the promising prospects, Sister Mary Paul sensed an underlying void, prompting her to seek fulfillment in a different path. At the age of twenty, she answered a profound calling to enter the convent and dedicate her life to serving as a Catholic sister. Embracing her congregation’s mission encompassing education, charity, and healthcare, she immersed herself in various roles across Vietnam, from teaching English to theological studies and pastoral work. In 2018, Sister Mary Paul marked a significant milestone by professing her final vows, solidifying her commitment to her religious vocation. Subsequently, she embarked on a new chapter in 2020, pursuing further studies in the United States. Initially studying at Assumption College for Sisters in New Jersey before transferring to Marywood University in Pennsylvania, she continues her quest for personal and academic growth.
Currently, Sister Mary Paul is participating in an internship with the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), recognizing it as an invaluable opportunity to deepen her academic knowledge and understand the spirit of dedication in others. Throughout her journey, from her upbringing to her academic pursuits and service as a Catholic sister, she remains guided by the values instilled by her congregation and family, finding fulfillment in opportunities to contribute to the well-being of others.