Firecrackers, Lion Dances and the Angelus: Lunar New Year shines in the Archdiocese

Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province raise a lucky red envelope towards a white lion during a Lunar New Year celebration at their Westbury-area convent on Feb. 4, celebrating the Year of the Horse. (Photos by James Ramos/Herald)
WESTBURY — The lions came to life first. Their bright silk bodies flashed in the sun as they rippled around the courtyard of St. Catherine Convent. Drums thundered. Firecrackers snapped. Sisters of all ages laughed in surprise, clergy and seminarians edged closer, and the Year of the Horse began with color, noise and a rush of delight. 

The annual celebration, hosted by the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province on Feb. 7, kicked off a series of events across the Archdiocese that ushered in the Year of the Horse, which opened its celebratory season on Feb. 18 and concluded with the full moon on March 3. 

Members Dominican congregation greet a colorful lion with red envelopes during a Lunar New Year celebration at their convent.For Sister Maria Theresa Kim-Hong Nguyen, O.P., prioress provincial for the Dominican congregation, the gathering offered something rare and deeply needed: joyful rest. 

“It is always a joy for us to have the priests, religious sisters and seminarians come together to share our lifestyle, to share the joy of the Lunar New Year,” she said. “When we are not always busy with our ministry work, we can also have some lighthearted fun together that really enhances our way of life so we can continue to be of service for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.” 

The lion performers, mostly young adults, snaked past a statue of the Holy Family, then broke into a burst of footwork as a long pole lifted a red envelope just beyond reach. One lion suddenly grew twice as tall, and the courtyard tilted with held breath. The white lion rose, blinked and gently took the envelope with its oversized mouth. Cheers rippled like drumrolls as the lions eagerly swarmed the sisters. 

As the clock struck noon, the convent bells rang. Instantly, the celebration’s music, games and buzzing activities froze, and the gathering shifted into quiet reverence. Sisters and guests prayed the Angelus together, a brief interlude that reminded everyone, even in festivity, of the heart of their shared faith. 

Across the Archdiocese, parishes, schools and Catholics at home marked Lunar New Year with the same blend of culture and prayer. Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez attended celebrations at St. Mary’s Seminary and Christ the Incarnate Word Parish in Houston, where he also celebrated Mass and greeted families in handing out the li xi, the red envelopes. 

At many parish Masses, including St. Andrew Kim, Ascension Chinese Mission, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and many Vietnamese parishes, intentions focused on giving thanks to God for life and blessings, honoring ancestors and parents, and asking God for guidance, good work and favorable conditions in the year ahead. The rhythm often unfolded over the season’s days: thanksgiving, remembrance and petition, each intention intertwined into the Liturgy and the meal that followed. 

Joining St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic schools, students at St. Christopher School in Houston also honored Our Lady of Lavang on Feb. 13 by recreating the Marian apparition and performing traditional dances to mark the new year. 

According to recent Census data, the Greater Houston region is home to about 655,000 Asian residents, roughly 9% of the metro population, making it one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing Asian communities. Houston has the largest Vietnamese American population in Texas and one of the largest Chinese American populations in the country, reflecting decades of immigration and community growth across the 10 counties that make up the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. 

Back at the convent, Sister Nguyen said her favorite part of the celebration has always been hearing her fellow sisters laugh. “You can hear the excitement as they enjoy themselves. I think that is what Our Lord wants. He said He comes to bring us joy, abundant joy,” she said. “Even in the midst of challenges, we are always hopeful because our life has meaning. That joy enhances our unity with Christ.” 

She also expressed gratitude for the priests who support the sisters throughout the year. 

“It is through them that we are nourished with the bread of life and the word of life,” she said. “We want to open our home to the priests, future priests and our fellow religious so we can support one another and continue to be a beacon of faith in this troublesome world.” 

In his Feb. 15 Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV extended his own wishes to the millions around the world for the season, praying that Lunar New Year celebrations would strengthen families and bring peace.