Catholic parishioners celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year.

Spring arrives, manifested in the vibrant colors of peach blossoms, permeating every street and village, in the melodious ringing of church bells harmonizing with joyful hymns and prayers for a peaceful and happy life. In harmony with the cultural flow of the nation, the traditional Lunar New Year for Catholics is also an occasion for family reunions, for children and grandchildren to meet, remember their ancestors, and for parishioners to meet, exchange good wishes, and pray for world peace , prosperity, and happiness.

Catholic parishioners in Ha Thach commune, Phu Tho town, display the national flag every Lunar New Year.

In the joyful atmosphere of the year-end, along with Catholic compatriots throughout the province, parishioners of Ha Thach Parish in Phu Tho town are also busy preparing to welcome the new year. Besides decorating their homes, they also gather at the church, decorating the interior and exterior spaces magnificently and brightly, ready for the first Mass of the new year.

The Ha Thach parish currently has nearly 4,000 parishioners and 5 sub-parishes. Over the years, with the spirit of "Reverence for God and love for the country, living a good life and upholding moral values," the parishioners have continuously strived, overcome difficulties, and risen in socio-economic development, demonstrating unity and exemplary conduct in all activities and movements, contributing to building a cultural life in the locality.

Sharing about the activities of parishioners during the Lunar New Year, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Sang from Hung Thao area said: "The first three days of the new year are also three important days for us parishioners. On the first day, the church will hold a Mass, families will gather at the church to pick lucky branches, and then they will visit relatives and family members to wish them a happy new year. The Mass on the second day is to remember and pray for our ancestors. On the third day, we ask for blessings for our work, hoping for a bountiful harvest and smooth, successful endeavors. All parishioners wear their finest, most dignified clothes with a relaxed and happy spirit when they go to church."

People chat and exchange New Year's greetings.

Comrade Ha Thi Phuong Thu - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ha Thach commune shared: "What is particularly valuable is the high spirit of solidarity and consensus among the Catholic community. For the Catholic community, the traditional Tet holiday also signifies compassion and sharing, as the Catholic community engages in charitable activities, giving gifts to disadvantaged families in the commune using funds raised and supported within the community. In recent years, the Catholic community has always strictly adhered to the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and has effectively implemented the regulations during the Lunar New Year, contributing to maintaining security, order, and social safety in the locality."

Following the Red River downstream, from Ha Thach Parish we arrived at Bai Dong Parish, Xuan Huy Commune, Lam Thao District. This year's Tet (Lunar New Year) seemed to arrive earlier for the parishioners here, as Zone 3 – where over 90% of the population are Catholic – had just been recognized as a model new rural residential area, achieving its goals ahead of schedule.

Putting aside the hustle and bustle of work, these days, besides cleaning the village roads and alleys and hanging the national flag, the houses of the parishioners are also decorated with peach blossoms, kumquats, flowers, and ornamental plants. Christmas decorations such as Christmas trees, electric lights, and nativity scenes are kept until the Lunar New Year. The festive atmosphere permeates from the beginning of the village, through the alleys and gardens, to inside the houses; the wood-burning stoves are lit, and the pork fat, pickled onions, bamboo strips, sticky rice, and banana leaves are all ready.

Parishioners from Bai Dong Parish walked together on the new road, enjoying the spring atmosphere.

Like other parishes, on the last day of the old year, in the evening, parishioners here will gather at the church to pray together. After the prayer session, parishioners will return home to celebrate New Year's Eve and pray at home with their families. Catholics do not believe in auspicious or inauspicious days, nor do they have customs like "first visitor" or choosing auspicious ages. For them, any day that allows them to do many good deeds is a good day.

Ms. Tran Kim Sinh, Head of the residential area, said: “The parishioners have always been united in the activities and movements of the locality in general and the residential area in particular, demonstrating a spirit of voluntary contribution and support of over 700 million VND for the construction of new rural areas. This Tet, the residential area has a spacious and well-equipped cultural center to organize activities to celebrate the New Year, with 100% of the roads paved with concrete, and all village roads and alleys equipped with streetlights to meet the needs of people for travel and recreation during Tet as well as in their daily lives.”

Another spring has arrived, and the atmosphere is vibrant and joyful throughout the church. The hearts of the parishioners are warmed as they reunite with family and loved ones, participating in lively and meaningful local activities to welcome a prosperous and happy new year, living the Gospel within the nation, and contributing to building a more beautiful, prosperous, and civilized homeland.

Thu Huong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/dong-bao-cong-giao-don-tet-co-truyen-227068.htm