The Festival of Sts. Peter and Paul for the Diocese

Today, Saturday, was the Festival of Sts. Peter and Paul in the nearby city of Ninh Binh. Peter and Paul are the patron saints of the Diocese of Phat Diem, so the bishop presided over a huge mass that included  all of the priests and seminarians of the diocese, many of the sisters, and 300 representatives from the parishes. It was quite the event.

Five of us met at the bishop's car at 8:30 a.m. for the 30 minute trip to Ninh Binh. Hai got the biggest kick out of my clip-ons.

When we got to the church in Ninh Binh, I saw over 70 of my present and former students. There were numerous pictures taken. Here are a few of the guys I have worked with. So proud of them.

While everyone was lining up, I walked around the church grounds. This is just a small number of the motorbikes that were parked everywhere.

The church is built above a parking area, so there are many steps to climb.

This relief is on the front of the church.

The bell tower is built like a pagoda and has seven stories.

I was taking a picture of this statue of St. Joseph and two more students came to say hello.

The women of the choir were dressed in the beautiful traditional ao dai, and they sounded like angels.

Fr. Bo and I just before the procession. He is not only the guy in charge of all the money for the diocese, he is the guy who looks out for every one of the poor. I am so proud to know him.

Bishop Joseph in the  procession. I know he looks very stern here, but he is always kind and gentle, two characteristics that endear him to the people of Phat Diem.

The seminarians in procession. The procession wrapped around the church.

Afterward, the mothers of the parish put on quite a spread. The best was the fresh pineapple, a specialty of Ninh Binh.

Just one of the sisters mugging for the camera...

...and another. There is never a dull moment when the sisters are around.

This is Thanh. He is working at the church in Ninh Binh and he gave me this beautiful carved dog. It's quite a treasure. Since it is too heavy to bring back to the States, I'm going to put it in one of the gardens here in Phat Diem for everyone to enjoy.

Ling, our driver for the day, decided that the dog needed to be safe and comfortable, so he did this.

Before leaving, I thanked the wonderful mothers of the parish for the tremendous food. Of course, there is always one dad who photo bombs. A great day with a fine mass, good food, and great people. Whew, I'm exhausted.