The Vietnamese Catholic Community of Montreal, formally recognized in the Archdiocese of Montreal as the Saints-Martyrs of Vietnam Mission (often referred to as “the Mission”), celebrates 46 years since its foundation.

God is Love, and through His providence, a seed of faith was planted in the heart of the Archdiocese of Montreal—a seed that bears the colours of the Vietnamese people. Over the decades, that seed has grown into a flourishing tree of faith, nurtured and recognized by the Archdiocese since November 1979. Over the past forty-six years, this tree has borne abundant spiritual fruit, marking a significant milestone in the life and witness of Montreal’s Vietnamese Catholic community.

The Saints-Martyrs of Vietnam remain radiant models of faith for Vietnamese Catholics. They serve as the cradle of faith for the Vietnamese people, guiding countless individuals to discover and preserve the truth of life in Christ.

This year, on the occasion of the Mission’s 46th anniversary, the community offers heartfelt thanks to God for the many blessings received and for the grace extended, through their witness, to so many others.

Since May 2015, the Mission has been based at Saint-Marc Church, 2600 Beaubien Street East, Montreal. In celebration of this year’s milestone, a new installation was erected to house the statue of Our Lady of Lavang, representing the Virgin Mary who, according to Vietnamese Catholic tradition, appeared in 1798 in the village of Lavang to support the faithful during a prolonged period of persecution under feudal authorities in Vietnam.

To mark this special occasion, His Excellency Archbishop Christian Lépine visited on Sunday, November 16, to bless the statue of Our Lady of Lavang and to preside at the solemn Mass commemorating the Saints-Martyrs of Vietnam, patrons of the Mission. Archbishop Lépine also celebrated the Mission’s 46th anniversary with the community.

By Dominic DH Vu