April 9, 2015 Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
thecatholicspirit.com
‘The truth
found us in the
mountains’ Catholic Hmong mark 20 years at parish with Easter celebration
Fleeing the communists against whom they had fought alongside U.S. troops, Hmong left their tribal mountain villages in southeast Asia for a new life. Most practiced animist beliefs, but some whose lives had been touched by a heroic Oblate missionary had converted to Catholicism. “It’s a really beautiful story that should be known and documented,” said Chia Lor of St. Paul. “The truth found us in the mountains.” This Easter, Hmong who resettled in Minnesota celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first Hmong Mass at St. Vincent de Paul in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood, which has become home for their Catholic community. Stories and photos begin on pages 12 and 13. Choua Yang receives Communion from Bishop Andrew Cozzens during Easter Sunday Mass April 5 at St. Vincent de Paul in St. Paul. The Mass also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the church’s Hmong presence, which prompted Yang and others to wear traditional Hmong attire. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit
The Catholic Spirit wishes you a blessed Easter ALSO inside
Sharing divine mercy
End of an era
‘Dying for change’
Throughout the archdiocese, divine mercy cenacles help people understand God’s mercy for them and how to extend it to others. — Page 5
After 138 years of educating Catholics in Carver County, St. Bernard Catholic School in Cologne plans to close at the end of the school year.
St. Paul Seminary Theatre takes to the stage with “Death of a Liturgist,” a whodunit that pokes playful fun at parish life quibbles. — Page 16
— Page 6