Bishop Knestout blesses religious, St. Joseph statue
On Tuesday, Dec. 7, the statue of St. Joseph located outside the Richmond convent of the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception was blessed by Bishop Knestout. The blessing and a small prayer service were part of the closing of the Year of St. Joseph for the sisters.
Bishop Knestout then celebrated a vigil Mass at Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs, Richmond, for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. During the Mass, the Daughters of Mary were joined by the Comboni Missionary Sisters for a renewal of their vows. They also received a blessing from Bishop Knestout.
At the reception following Mass, the Daughters of Mary danced with nón lá (conical hats), which represent the delicacy and gentleness of the wearers. The nón lá are a traditional part of the Vietnamese culture and have a variety of purposes. The sisters formed an “S” shape with the nón lá – the shape of Vietnam from the country’s southernmost point to its northern province.
Special attention was also given to a statue of Our Lady of Lavang. Vietnamese Catholics have a special love for and devotion to Mary, as they called upon her for protection through religious persecutions in the 15th-18th centuries.