Vietnamese community’s gateway blessed
Local
Unfavourable weather failed to dampen the Vietnamese community’s jubilation when 1000 parishioners attended the 2026 Community Gathering Day in Pooraka on 25 October.
The Vietnamese Catholic Community in South Australia said it was an honour to have Archbishop Patrick O’Regan present at the gathering to share in their joy.
At 9.30am, Archbishop O’Regan, Fr Paul Nguyen Ba Kien CP, and Chair of the Pastoral Council Peter Nguyen Quoc Hiep, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the gate. During his homily, Archbishop O’Regan said, “An entrance is more than a doorway; it is the place where the street meets the sanctuary, where the busy world outside turns towards the quiet presence of God. It is the first thing a visitor sees, and the first thing that tell them whether they are welcome”.
The gateway consists of eight pillars, divided into three sections, reflecting the traditional Vietnamese tam quan (three-arched) gateway style. The roof features graceful curves in a shade of blue, evoking the imagery of ocean waves and vessels navigating the vast waters. The design of the gateway roof serves as a reminder that the Community was founded in 1979 by Vietnamese Catholic “boat people.”
At its inception, the Community chose the title “Our Lady of the Boat People” (Đức Mẹ Thuyền Nhân) to honour and express gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Community firmly believes that throughout their arduous and perilous journeys across the ocean, Our Lady of the Boat People interceded with God to protect the boat people, ensuring their safe arrival at their destination.
To this day, the term “boat people” remains a meaningful identifier for all members of the Vietnamese Catholic Community in South Australia. Every member of the Community is a “boat person” in the life of faith, as they, together with the Church, traverse the sea of life on a journey toward their heavenly homeland.
The words ‘Vietnamese Catholic Community – South Australia’ are inscribed on the central gateway, clearly and firmly establishing the community’s rightful place on the land where Vietnamese Catholics in Adelaide gather and carry out their activities.
This sense of belonging provides a reassuring feeling to each individual and to the community as a whole. It demonstrates that the community’s life is not precarious or rootless, but rather firmly grounded in a proper, established setting existing in a stable, concrete, and visible manner within time and space.
The central gateway also serves as a symbol of the faith of the Vietnamese Catholic people. Its imposing, meaningful, and artistic presence inspires and strengthens the faith of Catholics, especially Vietnamese Catholics, thereby acting as a form of evangelization. Upon seeing the gateway of the Vietnamese Catholic Community – South Australia, every Catholic is reminded to offer thanksgiving to God, the source of all that is good.
For the generations of Vietnamese living in Adelaide, the central gateway stands as a reminder of their origins, as well as the historical events that led to the settlement of Vietnamese Catholics in the city and the Vietnamese Catholic Community – South Australia’s subsequent formation. This architectural structure symbolises their effort, perseverance, unity, and achievements. It is a source of pride for all Vietnamese Catholics in Adelaide.
The Centre’s gate also demonstrates that when we stand united, we can achieve success. The adage “unity is strength” rings true; when individuals within a community connect with one another, life and activities flow harmoniously. Consequently, projects can be brought to successful fruition, effectively meeting the community’s needs in the context of the times.
“As in the Bible, Noah’s ark had a door, and God himself shut it to keep the family safe. In Egypt, the Israelites marked their doorposts with the blood of the lamb, and death passed over,” Archbishop O’Regan said during his homily.
“The psalmist cries, ‘open to me the gate of holiness’. And Jesus does not say, ‘I am like a gate’. He says plainly: ‘I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved’.
“The entrance was where the Church met people before they belonged. So, when we bless this entrance, we are not just blessing stone, steel and concrete. We are asking what kind of welcome will meet people here. A gate can keep people out, and it can let people in. A wall only divides. A gate is a wall that has learned to open.
“A gateway is supported by two pillars, and it cannot stand if either one is missing. Think of these two pillars as the two fundamental commandments in the teachings of Jesus, essential for every Christian: ‘Love God’ and ‘Love your neighbour.’ We are called to love God with all our hearts, above all else, and to extend that same love to our neighbours. Open your hearts, just as a door is kept wide open, to love and welcome everyone.”
The Centre’s gate not only contributes to its security but also serves as a symbol that inspires and strengthens faith. It stands as a cultural emblem; awakening and reinforcing a sense of heritage among all Vietnamese people, especially the younger generations.
