SAN DIEGO — Local Vietnamese Catholics will honor not only their ancestors at their annual Mass but also one of their own who now leads the Diocese of San Diego.
The Vietnamese community will celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew Dũng Lac and Companions, known collectively as the Vietnamese Martyrs, on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Good Shepherd Church in Mira Mesa.
Bishop Michael Pham will be the celebrant, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Ramón Bejarano and Felipe Pulido, along with many Vietnamese priests who serve in the diocese.
A procession will begin at 2 p.m., immediately followed by the Mass. The event will conclude with a reception in the parish hall. The entire Catholic community is invited.
Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV named Bishop Pham to lead the diocese, becoming the nation’s first Vietnamese American bishop.
The Vietnamese Catholic community, which has between 7,000 and 8,000 members, is celebrating its 50th anniversary of starting to arrive in the San Diego region.
Community members play a vibrant role in the diocese and at the parishes where they have a significant presence. These are Holy Family, Holy Spirit, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and Good Shepherd parishes in San Diego and St. Thomas More Parish in Oceanside.
