2009 Lunar New Year Liturgy

Sisters of Providence, staff and friends join to celebrate the Lunar New Year on January 26, 2009.

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Sister Jeanne Knoerle at the lectern at the Jan. 26 Lunar New Year Celebration.

Participants bring incense to the altar.

The incense is placed at the ancestor shrine. This tradition is practiced in several Asian countries for the Lunar New Year.

The congregation stands for a prayer.

Sylvia Brockman performs a liturgical dance.

Participants prepare for the closing procession. Sisters and friends from China, Taiwan and Vietnam took part in the celebration.

The characters on the vestment worn by Father Dan Hopcus translate roughly to "God as everything there is."

Many attendees were seen wearing beautiful Asian apparel in bright reds and yellows.

Providence Volunteer Minister Alice Liu (left) and Julie Szolek-Van Valkenburg, director of Providence Volunteer Ministry, smile for a picture beside the ancestor shrine.

Incense burns by the ancestor shrine.

The shrine reads "Shrine of Providence Chinese Mission Pioneers." Many Sisters of Providence have ministered both in mainland China and in Taiwan.

This beautiful hand-painted banner hangs in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Providence Hall was decorated for the occasion.

Sisters of Providence and friends met for a traditional Lunar New Year meal in Owens Dining Room.

Sister Jody O'Neil, Alice Liu, and Father Dan Hopcus enjoy their fortune cookies.

Sister Marge Funke (center) tries on some authentic headwear.