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Vietnamese dancers who performed during the celebration.
Vietnamese dancers who performed during the celebration.

Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church Dedicates Shrine to Our Lady of La Vang

by Huy Vu, C.Ss.R.

Fr. Luong Uong, pastor of Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in San Antonio, and Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S. at the new Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang.

As the patron saint for Vietnamese Catholics, Our Lady of LaVang has been a source of comfort over the years of violent persecution. In modern times, Our Lady continues to be an inspiration for the faithful Vietnamese living in the diaspora. The Mother of God is very well traveled and recognized under many titles across the globe. As Our Lady of La Vang, she not only provides comfort in hard times, but also serves as a symbol of faith. Desiring to foster devotion to our Blessed Mother, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S. initiated the idea of a place dedicated to Our Lady of La Vang in the Diocese of San Antonio in 2015. With the leadership of the Redemptorists, Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church of San Antonio dedicated a new Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang on April 16. The celebration began with a procession, followed by a beautiful ceremonial dance before the celebration of the Eucharist. Participants included parishioners, neighbors from other parishes, and family and friends from Austin, Houston, California and even as far away as Philadelphia. May Our Lady of La Vang continue to inspire those who seek her intercession.

The faithful process to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang; the statue is carried before members of the clergy.