BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH CHINESE CATHOLICS

For Immediate Release: February 15, 2024

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, led a bi-lingual Mass (English and Chinese) Sunday, February 11, 2024, in honor of the Lunar New Year at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, in Flushing, Queens. This is the Year of the Dragon and symbolizes strength, power, good fortune, and success.

At the conclusion of the Mass, an Ancestors Veneration Ritual ceremony took place. It is a New Year’s tradition in which Chinese people give thanks to God and their ancestors. The rituals include nine bows to God, the offering of fruits, flowers and incense, and the exchange of New Year greetings among the faithful.

The celebration of the Lunar New Year featured cultural singing, dancing, and a special martial arts performance.

“We would be lost if we didn’t have you and we didn’t have all the gifts and the richness of the Chinese culture that you bring,” preached Bishop Brennan.

Father Vincentius Do is the Pastor of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church and serves as head of the Chinese Apostolate for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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Lunar New Year offerings
Bishop Brennan celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year at St. Michael’s in Flushing.
Lunar New Year giveaway
At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Brennan helped to distribute red envelopes to the faithful in attendance.
Lunar New Year group photo
Bishop Brennan joined in the New Year celebration that followed in the parish hall after Mass.
Lunar New Year red jacket
Bishop Robert Brennan and some of the Chinese Catholics who attended the special Lunar New Year Mass and reception.