Vietnamese Catholics living, studying, and working in the Philippines gathered in Manila on May 17 for a Marian celebration that highlighted faith, cultural identity, and solidarity among migrant communities far from home.
The gathering at the chapel of St. Paul University Manila brought together families, students, workers, and religious for traditional flower offerings to the Virgin Mary followed by a Mass for the Feast of the Ascension.
Held during the Church’s Month of Mary observance, the event reflected the efforts of overseas Vietnamese Catholics to preserve their faith traditions while building community abroad.
Children opened the program with dances dedicated to Mary, symbolizing Vietnamese Catholic families striving to keep the faith alive overseas while remaining united in devotion to Our Lady of La Vang, patroness of Vietnamese Catholics.
Representatives of different sectors, including fathers, businesspeople, university students, and schoolchildren, later participated in candle and incense offerings that carried the prayers and struggles of migrants pursuing work and studies away from their families in Vietnam.
Religious sisters from the Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows also performed a Marian dance honoring Vietnamese priests and religious studying and serving in the Philippines.
The Marian rites were followed by a Eucharistic celebration marking the Ascension of Jesus. Reflecting on the Gospel message, the faithful were reminded of the missionary calling of Christians, especially migrants living far from home, to witness to the Gospel through lives rooted in love and service.
After the Mass, participants shared Vietnamese dishes and traditional food in a communal meal that strengthened ties among members of the overseas community.
Organizers said the gathering reflected the Church’s 2026 pastoral theme, “Every Christian is a missionary disciple.”
