Early Years
Phi was born in Saigon, Vietnam, November 14, 1958, sixth among four brothers and three sisters. As a young adult Phi was a member of the Legion of Mary and met an FMM there whose presence and simple ways attracted Phi to the Institute.
God’s Call
Coming to America, Phi entered the Pre-Novitiate in Fall River, MA, January 5, 1997, and the Novitiate in Central Falls, RI,
January 5, 1998. Central Falls was also where Phi made her temporary vows in Notre Dame Church in 2000. Her final vows were made at Holy Family Chapel, North Providence, RI, November 13, 2004.
January 5, 1998. Central Falls was also where Phi made her temporary vows in Notre Dame Church in 2000. Her final vows were made at Holy Family Chapel, North Providence, RI, November 13, 2004.
Missionary Life
Being skilled in sewing, Phi took courses to become a Master Seam- stress from an instructor from the
University of RI and earned certifica- tion for these skills. Her fellow students enjoyed her
presence, but also her cooking whenever there was an event, social or “potluck.” She was also
skilled in embroidery and worked at this both in Central Falls and North Providence. Phi brought
communion to the sick and visited some nursing homes and hospitals.
In 2003, Phi was missioned to St.Louis, MO and did home care for the elderly. This was followed by two years in North Providence RI where she worked at the Senior Service Center at Fruit Hill doing some sewing and driving.
In 2005, Phi was missioned to Umzinto, South Africa to work with children in St. Anne’s Children’s Home. Here Phi did sewing for
the community and the children as well as general community services.
In 2006, Phi went to St. Clare’s Con- vent in Durban and worked with ref- ugees, teaching sewing in an
In 2006, Phi went to St. Clare’s Con- vent in Durban and worked with ref- ugees, teaching sewing in an
out- reach program at the Cathedral there.
Johannesburg, Assunta Novitiate, was the next mission for Phi in 2012, where she once again served as Eu- charistic minister for the sick, led a Bible Sharing group, sang in the choir and offered sewing classes for the parishioners.
At the end of that year, Phi was missioned back to the United States and in the Bronx did refresher courses for driving and sewing.
In 2013 she was missioned to Millbrook, NY, to Cardinal Hayes Home for Children as the Home seamstress, and remained there until 2016.
Phi began receiving cancer treatment in 2014, and hoped to experience strength and healing
though the prayers of the sisters and intercession of Blessed Mary of the Passion.
Phi was most grateful for her time in mission in South Africa, where she knew that God provided
benefactors who sent sewing machines and other materials. In looking back
over her years as an FMM, Phi was in awe of what was given to her by God - in Africa and all the
places she has been - the grace to do different ministries.
She was thankful for the courage given to her by the Sisters everywhere she lived who gave her good example and their loving support.
Prior to her going home to God, Phi’s very beloved and supportive family came to visit to say goodbye and her dear brother, Rev.
Luone Uong, CSSR, celebrated Mass in her room the two days before, which, in spite of her weakness,
delighted her. She departed peacefully in God’s peace and love.
