Tuesday, 16 May 2023

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (14:11): On the previous weekend I had the honour to attend a gathering of 16 Victorian Vietnamese Catholic communities in celebration of the Marian Congress for Our Lady of La Vang – our Virgin Mary – in Victoria’s south-east, in Keysborough. This occasion holds a special place in the heart of Vietnamese Catholic communities worldwide: a celebration of faith, friendship, culture and shared identities, with Bishop Joseph Tran from Long Xuyên, Vietnam ‍– from my hometown; Bishop Vincent Nguyen from Paramatta, New South Wales; and Father Matthew Nguyen, who travelled all the way from Texas, USA, for the celebration. The day reminded us of the incredible power of faith and the strength of the Vietnamese Catholic community. Despite the many challenges and obstacles in all the times that the community has faced, fleeing their country of birth due to communism and depression, the Catholic community has always held fast to their faith to promote unity and harmony, working towards a brighter future for all of God’s creatures. The celebration was an inspiration, deepening the community’s culture and faith and strengthening and enriching the bonds of our community in Victoria.