Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, recently joined tens of thousands of Vietnamese Catholics for the 46th annual Holy Mother’s Day celebrations in Carthage, Missouri, USA – one of the largest and longest-running Marian gatherings in the world.
Organised by the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer, Holy Mother’s Day draws pilgrims from across the United States and beyond for a multi-day festival of prayer, liturgy, teaching and cultural celebration. This year’s theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, resonated deeply with those attending during the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon in 1975 – a defining moment for the Vietnamese diaspora. For many at the festival, including Bishop Vincent, who himself fled Vietnam by boat at 18; it was a powerful reminder of faith, survival and the enduring strength of the Vietnamese Catholic community around the world.
Men and women in traditional Vietnamese dress are seen during Mass for the 46th annual Holy Mother’s Day celebrations in Carthage, Missouri, USA. Image: Supplied
Bishop Vincent was honoured to be the principal celebrant at one of the largest Masses of the event, which brought together bishops from across the world, as well as religious congregations, families and young people.
Bishop Vincent described the atmosphere as like a World Youth Day for Vietnamese Catholics in America.
A view of Mass for the 46th annual Holy Mother’s Day celebrations in Carthage, Missouri, USA. Image: Supplied
Held annually in early August, the festival honours Mary, Mother of God, and particularly Our Lady of La Vang, who is deeply revered by Vietnamese Catholics. The event has grown steadily since its humble beginnings in the 1970s, now attracting up to 100,000 participants each year.
This year’s program featured daily Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, youth rallies, family workshops and themed talks in both English and Vietnamese. Topics included faith and family life, Catholic identity, and the spiritual journey of Vietnamese diaspora communities.
Bishop Vincent was one of several bishops to attend, including Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops; Bishop Carl Kemme (Wichita), Bishop Michael Pham Minh Cuong (San Diego), Auxiliary Bishop John Nhan Tran (Atlanta), and others from Canada and Vietnam.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv (centre) with fellow bishops, deacons and servers during Mass for the 46th annual Holy Mother’s Day celebrations in Carthage, Missouri, USA. Image: Supplied
The festival concluded with a Great Mass honouring the Immaculate Heart of Mary, celebrated by Archbishop Broglio, and a closing ceremony that looked ahead to the 47th Holy Mother’s Day, to be held 6–9 August 2026.
You can view photos from Bishop Vincent’s visit on the event website and watch recordings of the celebrations via the official Marian Days YouTube channel.
