The Vietnamese Catholic Community in Brisbane recently celebrated the Lunar New Year (Tet) and marked the completion of their new church in Inala last month.
Over three days, thousands of residents from Inala and nearby suburbs flocked to Lilac Street, opposite St. Mark’s Church, Inala, to partake in the festivities and Mass.
Kicking off the celebrations on Friday night was the Lunar New Year’s Eve Mass, followed by a fireworks display that lit up the night sky.
Attendees were treated to a feast of traditional Vietnamese food, embracing the customs of Tet, including blessings, the mesmerising Lion Dance, the auspicious Lucky Tree, and indulging in sumptuous delicacies.
Reflecting on the significance of Tet, Trang Yen shared, “Tet is a time for me to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the year that has passed, while eagerly anticipating the blessings of the year ahead.”
Generations of families, like Yen’s grandmother, have been attending these celebrations since the 1980s, witnessing its growth in both size and spirit with each passing year.
The community eagerly awaits the unveiling of the Queens of Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, and the accompanying centre on Flint Street, Inala.
Vietnamese Catholic Community chaplain and Divine Word Missionary, Father Joseph Nguyen Minh Vu, said he highly anticipated the consecration of the new church and the grand opening of the centre. He lauded the collective efforts and contributions of the community members, whose dedication made the completion of the new church possible.
The forthcoming community centre aims to serve as a unifying hub, fostering camaraderie, providing support, preserving cultural heritage, and celebrating unwavering faith. All are welcome to learn more about the community and its endeavours by visiting the office on Lilac Street, Inala.
As the Vietnamese Catholic Community in Brisbane ushers in the New Year and embraces new beginnings with the completion of their church, the spirit of unity, gratitude, and anticipation fills the air, igniting hope and joy for the journey ahead.
