Bill Hao

October is the month of the Rosary The Catholic Church designated October as the month of the Rosary. The origin of this observance goes back to October 7, 1571, when the Catholic League* (aka Holy League) repelled the invasion of the Ottoman Empire. Below is a more detailed account of what happened: By the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire (aka Turkish Empire) had controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. The Ottomans were on a warpath to…

During this past Holy Week, the Catholic Church celebrated the sacred liturgies of the Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. The following reflections on the Last Supper, the Passion and Death of our Lord and His Resurrection give us a deeper understanding of these mysteries according to what the Church teaches. May the Light of Christ dispel the darkness in the world!

In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, a time for Catholics across the country to reflect on and bear witness to human dignity. End of Life Issues Some of our more challenging decisions in life come when a loved one is nearing death, and we are compelled to pay attention to end of life issues while respecting the dignity of the human person. Many Catholics are not clear on the position of the Church…

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the…

Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the declaration of independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which officially declared the thirteen American colonies’ independence from British rule. This day marks the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation and the beginning of its journey towards freedom and self-governance. On the 4th of July, people in the United States hold many celebrations in various places, such as fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics,…

October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Our church community will celebrate the memorial of St. Francis with a Mass at noon. In addition, there will be a Blessing of Pets on Sunday, October 5 after the 10:30am Chinese Mass. You may bring your pets to church for this special blessing.

July 9th is the feast day of the Holy Martyrs of China. 25 years ago, on October 1st, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized 120 martyrs of China. Of the 120 Saints, 87 are Chinese and 33 are foreign missionaries. Among them are 6 bishops, 23 priests, 8 monks (one of whom is a novice), 7 nuns and 76 lay people (two of whom were catechumens). According to historical records, the Catholic faith was officially introduced to China during the…

February 14, 2024 is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. Mass in Chinese and the imposition of ashes will begin at 12 noon, followed by Stations of the Cross in Chinese.  The practice of imposing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is normally done during Ash Wednesday, reminding us that it is a special time for repentance.