The Vietnamese American Apostolate at St. Boniface Parish in Cleveland observed Tet, the lunar new year, by welcoming Bishop Edward Malesic on Feb. 15.
The bishop was the principal celebrant at a bilingual thanksgiving and peace prayer Mass in both Vietnamese and English. There were seven concelebrants, including Father Mark Minh Dao, St. Boniface pastor, and Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization. Deacon Truong “Joseph” Viet Ho, who is preparing for priestly ordination in May, assisted with the liturgy and translated the bishop’s homily into Vietnamese.
A traditional gong sounded to mark the beginning of the entrance procession.
“Tet is one of the most sacred holidays for the Vietnamese,” he said. “We enter this new year remembering what Christ has given to us and what he sacrificed for us.”
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Although it’s still winter, the bishop noted Tet also signifies that spring is on the way. “Well, maybe not in Northeastern Ohio,” he quipped.
According to Vietnamese tradition, houses are swept and cleaned to make way for a new beginning as the old year ends. Tet celebrations focus on family, renewal and luck. This is the Year of the Horse. Many at the Mass, including the choir, wore traditional Vietnamese ao dai, or long slit tunics in bright colors over silk trousers.
Young people read the petitions in Vietnamese and English, brought forth the offertory gifts and participated in a traditional incense ceremony.
“I am so pleased to see so many young people here,” the bishop said, noting the vibrancy of the congregation. He thanked the choir for its participation.
As the lunar new year begins, Bishop Malesic reminded the faithful that it is a new beginning that allows us to embrace the paschal mystery. “Death is not the end when we embrace the paschal mystery. We are moving toward our goal, heaven, where we can live with Jesus forever. God asks us to move forward and to trust in him,” the bishop said.
He also noted we are all immigrants on this journey to heaven as we move toward our final refuge with God. “Our passport is our faith in God … The Church guides us. It’s like being in a boat with Jesus as the captain. Just be careful to stay in the boat.”
After Communion, the congregation came forward to receive red envelopes containing Bible verses. The bishop blessed the envelopes during the liturgy.
At the end of Mass, he received a bouquet of red roses. Parishioners also promised to obtain an ao dai for him to wear for his next visit.
The celebration continued in the parish hall, where there was entertainment, including the traditional lion dance, singing and plenty of Vietnamese food.