Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin to celebrate Lunar New Year Mass in Harrison
On Sunday, Feb. 5, the Archdiocese of Newark will hold a Lunar New Year Celebration Mass at Holy Cross Church in Harrison at 2 p.m. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will be the main celebrant.
The Mass is held annually in Harrison as an “expression of thanksgiving and to ask for blessings,” according to Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang, the liaison to the Chinese community for the Archdiocese of Newark.
Within the Mass itself, Sister Dong Hong noted that there are several themes unique to the Lunar New Year. The color of the Lunar New Year is red and clergy celebrating the Mass will be wearing red vestments and stoles, “which express joy and happiness.” Some of the faithful will don traditional Chinese clothing and the church will be adorned with symbols of the harvest, which indicate prosperity.
Following the Mass, traditional Chinese dances will be performed and refreshments will be available.
Holy Cross Church is located at 323 Harrison Ave. in Harrison.
Featured image: Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang (front right) and members of the Chinese Catholic community gather at Holy Cross Church in Harrison (New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate).
