How is the Patron Saint's Day celebration?

Panorama of the Patron Saint Ceremony at An Hau Parish. Photo: Hong An

Patron Saint's Day for Catholics in general is a special occasion of the year, showing respect and following the example of a community or religious establishment towards the Saint who is believed to protect, guide and intercede for a locality or a country.

Based on the similarities, strengths, characteristics and contributions of each Saint canonized by the Holy See from real life, communities, individuals and organizations choose that Saint to patronize, protect and guide them; take the date of death of that Saint to commemorate and conduct celebration rituals.

For example, Catholic medical facilities usually choose Saint Martin de Porres as their patron saint because Saint Martin de Porres was a physician and is a symbol of exemplary service to patients.

Or for associations such as the Business Association, Saint Joseph the Worker will be chosen as the Saint representing the working class and the example of hard work as the Patron Saint of the Association to follow and commit to doing business.

In Vinh Diocese alone, the Patron Saint's Feast is established and spread to each parish, association, congregation, religious order and organizations affiliated with the church.

Young people celebrate Mass in honor of Saint Francis Xavier. Photo: Hong An

On this day, a special Mass is celebrated, and a prayer service will be held the night before the main Mass to review and recall the saint's journey of dedication and achievements.

The prayer performance at An Hau Parish in celebration of Saint Francis Xavier was held on December 2, starting with a special drum performance; followed by self-composed and self-performed performances by An Hau Parish and other parishes of Lang Anh Parish. Through this ceremony, parishioners of the parish vowed to follow the example and join hands to build the parish in particular and the Church in general to become stronger and stronger...

Located in Nghi Duc commune, Vinh city (Nghe An), An Hau parish has 135 households with 528 people, living mainly by agricultural production.

Quite early, An Hau Parish took Saint Francis Xavier (1506 - 1552), the great missionary from Navarra - Spain and co-founder of the Jesuits, who was declared "Patron Saint of the missions" by Pope Pius X in 1904 and is celebrated by the Church every December 3.