Archbishop Pérez Sends Letter to Asian Catholic Community for Lunar New Year

The Archbishop of Philadelphia shared a message of renewal and celebration with the local Asian Catholic community.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia has issued a letter to the Asian Catholic community in the region, offering warm greetings and prayerful best wishes as they mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The Archbishop's message highlights the significance of this joyous occasion and calls on the community to seek constant renewal of their hearts in order to be a beacon of Christ's compassionate love.

Why it matters

The Lunar New Year celebration is an important cultural tradition for the Asian Catholic community in Philadelphia. Archbishop Pérez's letter demonstrates the Church's commitment to inclusivity and recognizing the rich heritage and contributions of the Asian community within the local Catholic Church.

The details

In his letter, Archbishop Pérez notes that this Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Horse, comes at a time of renewal for the Catholic Church of Philadelphia as it embraces the call to Missionary Discipleship. He encourages the community to let the fifteen days of the Lunar New Year, culminating in the annual Lantern Festival, inspire them to seek constant renewal of their hearts and be a beacon of Christ's love.

  • The Lunar New Year was celebrated on February 16, 2026.
  • Archbishop Pérez's letter was shared with the Asian Catholic community in the Philadelphia region.

The players

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

The Archbishop of Philadelphia who issued the letter to the Asian Catholic community in the region.

Asian Catholic Community

The local Catholic community in the Philadelphia region that celebrates the Lunar New Year.

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What they’re saying

“May the fifteen days of this Lunar New Year, culminating in the annual Lantern Festival, inspire us all to seek constant renewal of our hearts in order to be a beacon of Christ's compassionate love to those we encounter.”

— Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia (catholicphilly.com)

The takeaway

Archbishop Pérez's letter demonstrates the Catholic Church's commitment to inclusivity and recognizing the important cultural traditions of the Asian community within the local Philadelphia Church. The message calls on the community to embrace renewal and be a beacon of Christ's love, strengthening the bonds between the Asian Catholic faithful and the broader Philadelphia Catholic community.