Columbus, OH - Columbus, OH - The Dominican Sisters of Peace and our Church were blessed by the Perpetual Profession of Vows of Marie Trâm Bùi, OP, at the Columbus Motherhouse Chapel on August 9, 2026.
The ceremony for Sister Trâm, born in B`inh Gia᷉, a small Viêtnamese village, was attended by Sisters from around the country and Sister Tram Bùi’s friends and many family members, and live-streamed around the world.
Seven members of Sr. Trâm Bùi’s large family served roles in the Mass, and Sr. Trâm’s cousin, Father John Bosco Phạm Đặng Trung Minh served as concelebrant. Readings and songs were offered in English and Vietnamese, and Sr. Trâm’s family and some Sisters wore traditional Vietnamese formal clothing.
During the opening greeting, the celebrant, Sr. Trâm's childhood friend, Father John So’n Ho`ang, OP, recounted when he and Trâm were in a refugee camp together, and more recently, how he brought her to the Dominican Sisters of Peace Convent as a candidate.
Sr. Cathy Buchanan, OP, a Dominican Sister of Peace who was in formation with Sr. Trâm, delivered a reflection as part of the Rite of Perpetual Profession, and recounted Sr. Trâm’s personal encounters with Jesus in prayer.
Addressing the congregation, Sr. Trâm said, “I thank God for choosing me and calling me to this way of life. I am grateful for all who have been on this journey with me, in the past and in the present...it has been the love and guidance, encouragement and support from others who have brought me to this day.”
Prioress Pat Twohill, OP, says, “We are delighted to be able to call Sr. Trâm a Dominican Sister of Peace for her entire life. She is proof of the ongoing vitality of our Dominican life and hope for our future as religious.”
Sr. Pat Dual, Coordinator of Formation, says, “We have witnessed the development and growth of her relationship with God as well as those she ministers to. We are called to serve, and Sr. Trâm will serve others beautifully.”
Sr. Trâm Bùi graduated from Texas Tech University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She currently serves as a physical therapist at an independent living facility in New Haven, CT and previously ministered at Mohun Care Center. During formation, she served as a physical therapist in various locations, including Kingston, Jamaica, where she and other Peace Sisters aided vulnerable children in that country.
Sr. Trâm adds, “Being a physical therapist allows me to live the Dominican Charism of collaboration and communion through healing, listening, service, encouragement, compassion, faith, witness and bringing hope. I can provide the encouragement for others to take one more step, one more movement, one more exercise, and one more attempt with the knowledge that they are not alone.”
“I hope that I continue to live with an open heart and willingness to learn, grow, and remain faithful to God’s call as a Dominican Sister of Peace. I want to be able to use my gifts, even in small and ordinary ways, to make God’s love more visible. I trust God will continue to guide me each step of the way and that my life can be a witness of God’s faithfulness and love.”
The Dominican Sisters of Peace will offer a Discernment Retreat in St. Catharine, Kentucky, October 2 – 4, 2026 for women who are interested in pursuing a vocation to religious life. Please go here to learn more.