The Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community’s anniversary celebration Aug. 15 included a procession by the Daughters of the Society of St. Monica at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu. (Courtesy Dann Ebina)
By Father Anthony Tran
Special to the Herald
On Aug. 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of Mother Mary, the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community in the Diocese of Honolulu celebrated its 50th anniversary, a profound milestone marking five decades of faith, resilience and community building.
This special occasion, held at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu, was not merely a commemoration of time but a heartfelt tribute to the founding members who, starting in 1975, fled their homeland, leaving everything behind for the freedom to practice their Catholic faith in the United States.
Their enduring legacy of sacrifice and devotion laid a solid foundation for generations to come.
One vibrant moment from the day’s festivities was a beautiful procession of the Daughters of the Society of St. Monica. Dressed in stunningly hued traditional Vietnamese outfits called ao dai, they reverently carried a statue of Mary, adorned with flowers, on an ornate platform.
The procession was a visual testament to the community’s deep Marian devotion, reflecting the belief that Mary is the guiding light who always leads the faithful closer to her son, Jesus Christ.
The green and yellow ao dai of the procession’s leaders contrasted beautifully with the serene blue and white garments of the women walking behind them, creating a river of color that symbolized the unity and grace of the community.
The expressions on the women’s faces, a mix of reverence and quiet joy, speak volumes about the significance of the day. It was a moment of profound gratitude — for the ability to gather freely, for the faith that has sustained them through all struggles and for the support of those who have gone before them.
The presence of Bishop Larry Silva, Msgr. Gary Secor and numerous priests from the Diocese of Honolulu and the mainland underscored the importance of this celebration, uniting the local community with the wider church in a shared act of worship and thanksgiving.
Bishop Larry Silva and the clergy who concelebrated Mass gathered for a photo. (Photos courtesy Dann Ebina)
The procession not only honored the Blessed Mother but also served as a living tribute to the 117 Vietnamese Holy Martyrs, canonized by St. John Paul II in 1988, whose unwavering faith and sacrifice continue to inspire the community.
The 50th anniversary celebration, filled with prayer, procession and fellowship, was a powerful affirmation of the community’s identity and mission.
It was a day to look back with gratitude and forward with hope — a commitment to continue the journey of faith for many more years, fostering a vibrant and devout Vietnamese Catholic presence in the Diocese of Honolulu.
For the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community, the day stood as a radiant reminder of Mary’s intercession and Christ’s promise: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
Father Anthony Tran is the parochial vicar at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu and the chaplain for the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community.