Bishop Vincent Van Long Nguyen OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta together with over 150 Vietnamese-Australians welcomed the Lunar New Year, known as Tết, on 17 February 2026 with a Solemn Mass celebrated at The Good Shepherd Catholic Church Plumpton.
At the opening of the Mass, Bishop Vincent enthusiastically greeted everyone a Happy Tết and invited the faithful to pray for the world, and for their motherland. Concelebrating with Bishop Vincent were Fr Joseph Nguyen, Vietnamese Chaplain in the Diocese of Parramatta, Fr Van Cao Nguyen, Parish Priest of Mt Druitt Parish, Fr Huy SJ (Retired), Monsignor Thang from Rome, and Deacon Thong Nguyen from Parramatta Parish.
Bishop Vincent with concelebrating Vietnamese clergy. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
The Meaning of Tết
According to Bishop Vincent, Tết is the most significant and cherished celebration of the year for Vietnamese people around the world. More than simply the beginning of a new calendar cycle, Tết is a profound time of renewal, gratitude, remembrance, and hope.
Bishop Vincent particularly reminds the Vietnamese community the importance of keeping the customs tied to ancestral roots, family and ethnicity.
“Therefore, even when living abroad, we strive to maintain this sacred culture and pass on our ancient traditions to future generations.”
For Fr Joseph Nguyen, Tết is a beautiful combination of Christmas, New Year, All Souls’ Day, and Thanksgiving, all woven into one big celebration.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
“Tết is officially observed over five days”, often stretching into a full week of festivities. “Yes, we get a whole week off in Vietnam”.
Fr Joseph further explains that preparation begins weeks in advance. Homes and gardens are thoroughly cleaned and decorated as a symbol of fresh beginnings. Yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai) and peach blossoms (hoa đào) are almost essential decorations, representing prosperity and good fortune.
Families purchase new clothes – particularly the traditional áo dài, replace worn household items, and carefully clean ancestral altars as a sign of reverence and renewal.
Even for Vietnamese living abroad, traditions remain strong. Many families in Australia continue decorating their homes and altars, gathering in prayer, and sharing meals together on the first day of Tết.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Mass Intentions During the Celebration of Tết
In the Vietnamese Catholic calendar, Tết is marked by special Mass intentions across several days:
- New Year’s Eve Mass: Giving thanks to God for the blessings of the past year and asking for grace in the year ahead.
- First Day of the New Year: Praying for peace.
- Second Day: Remembering ancestors, grandparents, and parents.
- Third Day: Praying for the sanctification of human labour and work.
During his homily, Bishop Vincent emphasised that “By praying for and remembering our ancestors, each of us can find meaning in our lives by remembering the contributions of our grandparents and parents.”
These liturgical celebrations and traditions elevate Tết beyond cultural festivity, placing faith at the heart of family life.
Bishop Vincent during his homily. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine and Karaoke
The Vietnamese community’s spirit of generosity shone brightly following the Mass. The congregation came together to share a feast of donated traditional favourites, including bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake), and thịt gà (chicken).
Amidst the spread of sumptuous food, the room was filled with the even greater warmth of lively conversation, laughter, and shared joy.
And what would a Tết celebration be without karaoke? For many Vietnamese, karaoke isn’t just a hobby – it’s a profound social ritual and a passionate outlet for the soul.
Vietnamese don’t just “sing” – they perform with a raw, heartfelt intensity, often favouring soaring ballads and nostalgic folk songs that tell stories of love and longing.
And the highlight of the evening – none other than Bishop Vincent rendering his version of Xuân Này con Không về (This Spring I Won’t Be Coming Home).
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
A Message of Hope
As the Vietnamese community steps into the new year, hope remains timeless. In a fast-moving world, Tết remains a grounding reminder of faith, family, gratitude, and renewal.
For Bishop Vincent, he exhorts the faithful to be at peace with God and with our brothers and sisters. “Our happiness lies in reconciliation with one another and with God. The happiness of a Christian is serving God in our brothers and sisters, especially the less fortunate.”
Through prayer, tradition, and community celebration, the Vietnamese community once again brought the spirit of Tết alive – honouring the past, celebrating the present, and entrusting the future to God.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View photos on Flickr.
