Our Lady of La Vang, pray for us!

The afternoon of Oct. 16 found St. Anthony’s Church in Fargo abuzz with visitors and parishioners alike, some of them speaking Vietnamese and dressed in traditional Vietnamese dress, and all excited for the reason they had gathered that day—to celebrate Mass in Vietnamese and dedicate the newly donated statue of Our Lady of La Vang.

The story of Our Lady of La Vang begins in the 18th century when Vietnamese Catholics were being persecuted for their faith. Fearing for their lives, they left their villages and hid in the jungle in the La Vang region. This group gathered each night at the base of a large tree to pray the rosary. One night, Our Blessed Mother appeared to them, carrying the infant Jesus. Not only did she console and remind them of her intercession, but she showed them the leaves of an indigenous fern to treat their physical ailments. Throughout the years, Our Lady appeared many times in this place, strengthening the faith of the local people.

The Fargo area Vietnamese community of believers (population of about 100) has found a home at St. Anthony’s for the past 15 years. To celebrate their heritage, they invite Vietnamese priests who are visiting or studying in the United States to celebrate Mass with them several times a year. For this October Mass and dedication of the statue, the guests included four Vietnamese priests, three religious sisters, and two brothers, all living in Collegeville, Minn.

To honor the St. Anthony’s Vietnamese community, Bridget Bowden, whose family owns Hurley’s Religious Goods, wanted to offer a visible sign of their presence in the parish—a donated Our Lady of La Vang statue. It was also a way for her to honor her parents, who had offered their help and welcome to Hmong and Vietnamese Catholic families who were coming to North Dakota through Lutheran Social Services during unrest in their home countries. Her family and others were asked to “adopt” different families and help teach them skills to adapt to life in the United States. As a child, she fondly recalls “just playing” with the children while her parents helped the families with adult things like teaching them how to grocery shop and drive. These experiences impacted her in a positive way and made her want to create a more inclusive environment in her own home parish of St. Anthony’s.

Tiffany Nguyen, a member of the St. Anthony’s Vietnamese community said, “We are so grateful to have Our Lady of La Vang to watch over us. As a community, we feel that we belong at St. Anthony’s and are so happy.” A non-Vietnamese parishioner in attendance at the dedication Mass agreed and wanted to attend the event to show her support. She said she has enjoyed getting to know some of the Vietnamese parishioners over the years and is proud that St. Anthony’s has become their spiritual home.

The new statue of Our Lady of La Vang can be found in the adoration chapel at St. Anthony’s. All are welcome to stop in and ask for her intercession. Our Lady of La Vang, pray for us!