Hopeful Parish Mission at Our Lady & St Walstan
February 21, 2025
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February 25, 2025
On 15 February, the Cantonese community at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Sawston gathered for a special Mass to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
This was the first Cantonese Mass following the Lunar New Year, making it a significant and joyous occasion for the faithful. The Mass was celebrated by Canon John Minh, who led the congregation in prayer and reflection, invoking God’s blessings for the year ahead.
Upon entering the church, the congregation was immediately immersed in the festive atmosphere. The entrance and walls were adorned with traditional Lunar New Year Fai Chun inscribed with auspicious messages. The vibrant decorations created a warm and welcoming environment, setting the tone for a solemn yet celebratory liturgy.
During the Mass, Canon John Minh bestowed a solemn blessing upon the congregation, filling hearts with gratitude and hope for the new year. At the conclusion of the Mass, the faithful sang May You Be Blessed with His Love as the recessional hymn, a beautiful expression of faith and unity. This hymn is an adaptation of a popular Cantonese melody traditionally sung during the Lunar New Year. The congregation left the church with a profound sense of peace, joy, and divine grace.
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish hall, where attendees gathered to share festive snacks. The atmosphere was filled with warmth as friends and families exchanged greetings and well wishes. The highlight of the gathering was a lively lion dance performed by parishioners, adding excitement and energy to the occasion.
The Lunar New Year Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes was a meaningful and unforgettable event, bringing the community together in faith and celebration. As everyone departed, their hearts were filled with renewed blessings, happiness, and a strengthened sense of fellowship in Christ.
