On Dec. 1, Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated the First Sunday of Advent at Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs, Richmond, marking the parish’s 25th anniversary.
Concelebrating with the bishop were Dominican Father Anthony Tien Dinh, pastor of Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs; and Dominican Father Joseph Chinh Dinh, parochial vicar. Deacon Thoai Tran and Deacon Liem Do, who serve at Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs, served at Mass, as did Deacon H. V. Le, who serves at St. Pius X, Norfolk.
In his homily, the bishop focused on preparing for the coming of Christ. “In Advent, we remember Jesus in his first coming, and the prophesies foretelling him,” he said. “We recall his coming into our hearts and lives in the sacraments each day, as we live and grow in holiness, and we await with hope and joy his coming again, when everything will be set aright.”
A reception featuring traditional Vietnamese food, cake, and fellowship followed Mass.
