Chinese Catholics celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Tiger
On Sunday, Feb. 6, the Chinese Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Newark and beyond joyfully celebrated the Chinese New Year, namely the Lunar New Year, at the Holy Cross Church, in Harrison, N.J.
Members of the Chinese faithful expressed their inspiration, hope, and joy in such solidarity through this festive event, said Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang, the liaison to the Chinese community for the Archdiocese of Newark.
“Our Chinese Community deeply appreciates the solidarity and support from Bishop Studerus and the other priests who joined us for the celebration,” Sister Dong Hong said. “Our lay leaders, choir, and faithful had made a great effort for this New Year celebration. We also got a lot of support from our Chinese brothers and sisters of Metuchen Diocese.”
Bishop Gregory J. Studerus presided at the New Year Mass. The co-celebrants were Father Timothy Graff, the director of Multicultural Affairs of the archdiocese; Father John Carlos, the pastor of the Holy Cross Church; Rev. Biao Wu, a Chinese priest studying at Seton Hall University, and Father Joseph Nguyen Do, a religious Vietnamese priest.
This year, Sister Dong Hong said that the Chinese New Year was celebrated only with the Mass without the usual social gathering and entertainment due to the pandemic.
In 2022 the Lunar New Year, which has been celebrated by Asian cultures, fell on Feb. 1. The Lunar New Year is seen as a time of reunion and rebirth, marking the end of winter and the start of spring.
This year is the Year of Tiger according to the Chinese calendar. Tiger is the symbol of bravery, wisdom, and strength.
“After this Lunar New Year, our Chinese Community will start the synod listening sessions,” said Sister Dong Hong. “Through listening to the Holy Spirit and listening to one another, I pray and hope our Chinese community will become stronger in solidarity with our Synodal Church through this year of Tiger.”
Featured image: On Sunday, Feb. 6, the Chinese Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Newark and beyond joyfully celebrated the Chinese New Year, namely the Lunar New Year, at the Holy Cross Church, in Harrison, N.J (Photo courtesy of Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang)
