Diocese celebrates Feast of the Vietnamese Martyrs Mass

On Nov. 8, the Vietnamese Catholic Community in the diocese celebrated the Feast of the Vietnamese Martyrs Mass at St. George Parish, Ontario, with Auxiliary Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen from the Diocese of Orange as the chief celebrant. The faithful Vietnamese clergy, religious sisters, and laypeople did a short procession around the block in prelude to the Mass. Many carried flags and flowers during the procession, displaying a beautiful devotion. In addition, many wore traditional clothing in the colors of red and gold. A festive reception followed the Mass. The feast of the Vietnamese Martyrs honors the many unnamed martyrs, represented by 117 known martyrs who died for the Catholic faith in Vietnam during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.