Martyrs are commemorated

In an event that mixed moments of sadness and exuberance, Roman Catholic members of the Vietnamese American community gathered Sunday to remember the difficult origins of their faith and celebrate their current triumphs.

Nearly 5,000 people arrived at the UC Irvine Bren Events Center for the annual Mass celebrating the Vietnamese martyrs. The 117 martyrs, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988, were killed during the persecution of Catholics in Vietnam from 1798 until 1861.

For many people, the annual commemoration is one of the most significant events for this ethnic Catholic community, estimated at more than 45,000 in Orange County.

“The Irish have St. Patrick’s Day. Hispanics have Our Lady of Guadalupe,” said attendee Phuong Tran of Anaheim. “This is our day.”

The ceremony began with a dramatic procession that included representations of some of the saints. It was followed by a retelling of the story of Catholicism’s introduction to Vietnam by French, Spanish and Portuguese missionaries in the late 1600s.

It included a reenactment of the 1833 order by the Vietnamese monarchy for all Christians to renounce the faith by trampling crucifixes underfoot, as well as the slaughter that awaited those who refused.

Among those later declared saints were both Asians and Europeans, priests and laypeople.

An artistic rendering of the group hung over the congregation Sunday.

Orange County Bishop Tod D. Brown, who presided over the Mass, said the reenactment was intended to “remember people who were persecuted and oppressed” but also to “give hope and encouragement” to the faithful who follow.

Brown said this year’s celebration was especially meaningful because it coincided with President Bush’s “first and very historic” visit to Vietnam.

“His visit is a sign that things will continue to get better,” Brown said. “We give thanks to God for the improved circumstances in Vietnam.”

The congregation was brought together from at least 14 parishes throughout Orange County. Organizers, led by physician Huan Le, spent four months in preparation and required the help of 1,000 volunteers.

“Our faith is cemented by the martyrs’ faith,” Le said.

“That is why it is important for us to have this celebration to praise the Lord, honor the martyrs and also to keep the faith alive not only for this generation but for generations to come,” he said.

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garrett.therolf@latimes.com