The history of the Hmong Catholic Community of Fresno goes back to 1981 when the first wave of Hmong immigrants arrived in the United States from Laos. Among them, approximately 15 Catholic families settled in Fresno, California. During that time, they were directed to attend weekly English masses at Sacred Heart Church.

In 1983, the Hmong Catholics quickly felt a need for spirtual guidance within their community if they were to grow in faith and unity with Christ. Many parishioners were dependent on their first language and early leaders understood that without immediate intervention from the diocese, some of them would return to their traditional beliefs.

That year, the concern was addressed to the diocese and the community requested for a priest who could, not only learn to communicate with the Hmongs, but also serve as an educator, cultivate the spiritual growth of the community, and service the mass fully in the native language.

In response to the request and challenge, the diocese assigned Father Umberto Nespolo to the Hmong community. Fr. Nespolo was a priest with missionary experience with the Hmong people in Laos. ; He spoke Hmong fluently and started to service weekly masses in Hmong. For 17 years, he committed himself in helping the Hmong Catholic Community of Fresno.

In early 1998, God opened a new door for the Hmong Catholic Community. Bishop John Steinbock saw the need for the Hmongs to integrate with the universal church so that they may learn, enrich the community at large, and develop ministries. His vision was to have the Hmongs grow in communion with other parishes of the diocese. The Hmongs were now part of the universal church and started to educate themselves with the help of the diocese.

In 2000, the Hmongs were assigned Our Lady of Victory Church (OLV) as their main parish church. OLV was to be the central community church for all Hmong Catholics in Fresno no matter where they lived in the Fresno and Clovis area.

With the help of Msgr. Moreton and Deacon Nai Her, bilingual masses are now being held twice per month on the first and third Sunday from 3-4 p.m. With around 100 families, the Hmong Catholic Community of Fresno has grown to be one of strongest and most united Hmong catholic group in the United States today.

With the tremendous support from Bishop Steinbock, his staff at the Diocese of Fresno, and OLV community members, the Hmongs were able to surge in several areas and ministries:

They formed a Hmong Parish Council
A new ordained deacon, Nai Her
7 members of the community have completed the New Wine Program
Many members have completed RCIA at OLV or at the Hmong Center
Established Saturday Hmong CCD classes for 1st Communion recipients
Saturday bible studies and literacy classes for youth group
Two choir groups: one servicing Hmong masses, the other servicing English masses
Saturday classes held to preserve and teach Hmong culture and traditions
Monthly council meetings held the 1st Sunday of each month