Lorna Tran: A mother’s love
Encounter at Catholic Charities
By Audrey Ickes, Donor Relations Manager, Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri
“It strikes me that you’re a mother,” began The Most Reverend Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, before he bestowed a special blessing on Lorna Tran, Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri’s Deputy Director of Family Immigration Services, who has served the immigrant and refugee communities in the Diocese of Jefferson City for 45 years.
I, myself, am not a mother; therefore, of course, I don’t know what it’s like to be one.
But, as a daughter, I do know what it’s like to experience a mother’s love.
I know what it’s like to be taken in — to find refuge.
To be known and loved in a way that reaches the depths of the soul.
To be seen beyond the flaws and failures as someone who is worthy and beautifully and wonderfully made.
And, as a Catholic, I know what it’s like to “flee to thy protection, implore thy help, seek thy intercession” of the “Virgin of virgins, my mother” who has truly never left me unaided — who has been my heavenly refuge.
Just as our Mother Mary lovingly accompanied Christ through all his sorrows, walking with him on the road to Calvary and standing with him at the foot of the cross, so too has Lorna Tran loved, accompanying countless immigration and refugee clients as they carry their own crosses.
Forty-five years ago, following her high school graduation, the “short-term” job Lorna took soon unfolded into a lifelong vocation of assisting immigrant and refugee families in their search for compassion, community, and a place to belong in mid-Missouri.
As a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, her vast experience and expertise led to her appointment as director of both the Family Immigration Services and Refugee Services programs.
While nearly half a century of service is, in itself, remarkable, the reality of Lorna’s impact can hardly be captured with words.
Indeed, on the second floor of Catholic Charities, a wall-length cabinet is lined with gifts — dozens and dozens and dozens given over the years by grateful clients, most of them specifically for Lorna.
These tangible signs speak to something much larger: the immeasurable impact she has had on individuals and families seeking hope, stability, and belonging.
On Tuesday, April 21, Lorna’s life’s mission was honored in a momentous way during Bishop Seitz’s visit to Catholic Charities on his tour of mid-Missouri.
During his time at the agency, Bishop Seitz met with staff, sharing powerful reflections on human dignity, solidarity, and our call to welcome the stranger — drawing from both Scripture and his experience along the U.S.-Mexico border.
In a moment of prayer, Catholic Charities staff, led by Director of Family Immigration Services, Marissa Flores Madden, offered a blessing for Bishop Seitz, entrusting his ministry to the Lord.
In turn, Bishop Seitz graciously blessed the staff.
But he offered a special, singular blessing for Lorna.
Just before we bowed our heads in prayer, before his hands extended out over her, he paused, recognizing something essential.
He named her motherhood, elevating it and calling attention to its quiet strength.
A nationally recognized voice on immigration and Catholic social teaching, Bishop Seitz’s message invited all of us to respond with greater compassion and understanding.
At its heart, the message is simple: we all want to be loved.
And Lorna Tran loves.
She may not be her client’s mother, but she loves them all like one — with a self-giving sacrifice, fierce protectiveness, and enduring concern.
Whether walking with a family she has accompanied for her whole 45-year career or beginning a case with someone new, Lorna sees everyone as worthy and beautifully and wonderfully made.
She sits with clients in their pain and carries it with them, listening to their stories and guiding them through complex systems marked by uncertainty, remaining a steadfast presence of safety, comfort, and hope.
She is a refuge — for clients and colleagues alike.
And our gratitude to her wells as deep as the love she so freely gives.
As we approach Mother’s Day, consider your own mother, or the women in your life who have been mothers to you.
Consider, too, our Blessed Mother, who continues to accompany us with tenderness and strength.
Thank them.
Love them.
Flee unto them for protection.
Just as Christ was comforted by his mother as he carried his cross, so too do they comfort us and walk with us along the road to our own personal Calvaries.
And, above all, pray for them, as they undoubtedly pray for you.
Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, Mother of Sorrows, Undoer of Knots, Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us now and always. Amen.
