Representatives of the Vietnamese Catholic community in the Archdiocese of
Seattle joined in the entrance procession at this solemn celebration of Tet -
the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
At the beginning of Mass, the Archbishop, along with children, adults, and
elders from the Vietnamese community, offered incense at a special place of
prayer for the ancestors of all those gathered. Honoring father and mother
and all ancestors is central to the observance of Tet.
Deacon Philip Nguyen carries the Book of the Gospels to the ambo.
Archbishop Sartain speaks about the importance of family in leading us to faith.
The choir leads the assembly in traditional songs for the Lunar New Year.
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of spring (according to the solar
calendar, spring doesn't arrive for another six weeks!). The songs speak
of spring blossoms, new life, and new beginnings. (Photo by Mike Penney,
www.photobymike.com)
The gifts of bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist are brought
forward by members of the community.
In addition to the bread and wine, traditional gifts of cake, wine, fruit, and
flowers are brought forward with the gifts, and are placed by the servers
at the shrine honoring the ancestors.
Archbishop Sartain pauses to greet a young member of the community during the
procession at the end of Mass.
Chúc mừng năm mới! (Happy New Year!)
(Photo by Mike Penney,
www.photobymike.com)
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