ORLANDO | Remembering ancestors with gratitude and hope for the future, Vietnamese faithful from around the Diocese of Orlando gathered for the celebration of the Lunar New Year. Alongside pastor Father Chau Nguyen, Bishop John Noonan remarked on the fortitude and faith of the people during the celebration of Mass at St. Philip Phan Van Minh Parish in Orlando, Feb. 10, 2024.

Throughout the sanctuary an array of colors filled the space with women dressed in multi-colored ao dai, connecting old traditions with the Good News proclaimed in the Gospel. The Mass included cultural elements such as fruit representing heaven and earth and cakes recognizing the first fruits of labor.

The Mass followed two days of preparations to honor ancestors. Families also stuffed Scripture verses and money into red envelopes and gifted them to young people praying for prosperity.

Staff Report, February 15, 2024