The relic, encased in a golden reliquary, was carried on a litter and placed in a shrine covered with flowers and incense to the side of the altar. The procession of the relic, representing 117 people martyred during the 17th, 19th and 20th centuries, marked the beginning of the Mass held in anticipation of the Nov. 24 memorial.
The Vietnamese community from the diocese filled the church to celebrate the special Mass in the Vietnamese language. A Vietnamese choir provided music, while youth dressed in cultural attire performed a liturgical dance during the preparation of the altar.
Bishop Gerald Barnes and Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego celebrated the Mass, along with Our Lady of Hope pastor, Father Anthony Dao, OP, and other priests. Father Timothy Truong Do, priest minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Riverside, centered his homily on looking to the saints as models of faith.
Fr. Do urged the assembly to be in union with the martyrs and to not be afraid to live and share their Catholic faith in their everyday lives.
“Many of us are afraid to follow Christ. These fears pull us away from God,” Father Do said. “When we let Jesus be our companion, we are able to realize our sufferings as bringing us closer to life. God doesn’t take anything away but gives us more.”
Speaking to the youth present at the Mass, Bishop Barnes invited them to reflect on their vocation.
“He loves you and He is calling you to follow Him just like the martyrs followed him,” Bishop Barnes said. “It will be up to you to be leaders of the church so that one day you may be taking my place or the place of the priests and sisters. God is calling you.”