Day 156: Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, Biloxi, Mississippi
📌APIA Every Day (156) - The Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in Biloxi, founded in 1979, serves as a significant religious and cultural center for Vietnamese Americans in Mississippi. Originally established to accommodate Vietnamese refugees following the 1975 fall of Saigon, the parish was initially named the Blessed Vietnamese Martyrs Church and was later renamed in 1989 to its current title. Since 2000, it has been under the ministry of the Vietnamese Dominican Order from Calgary, Canada. The parish is distinguished by its Our Lady of La Vang shrine, constructed in 2005, and a notable mural depicting the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam inside the church.
Beyond its religious functions, the parish is actively involved in community life. It hosts a variety of ministries and educational programs, including religious education with Vietnamese language instruction and sacramental preparation for children. Volunteerism is a cornerstone of the parish's operations, with community members contributing to administrative tasks, maintenance, and outreach efforts.
In 2005, after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, the church played a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts, despite severe flooding that destroyed much of its interior. Victims of the catastrophe went to the church, which provided essential items, held outdoor masses, and engaged in extensive cleanup efforts. Alongside the nearby Chua Van Duc Buddhist temple, which also provided shelter and distributed donations, the church helped anchor the community. Although many families relocated due to the high costs of rebuilding in East Biloxi, the church continued to function as a central place for worship and community support, maintaining its role as a vital cultural and religious institution. The parish's involvement extended to long-term rebuilding initiatives and advocacy for the needs of the local Vietnamese American community in Biloxi, reflecting its integral role in both spiritual and practical community support.
LEARN MORE:
Mississippi History Now: Vietnamese in Mississippi
Discover Biloxi: Buddhist Temple/Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church
Facebook: Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church - Biloxi, MS
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