Vietnam Church Gives Thanks After Historic Beatification of Fr. Diep

The Diocese of Can Tho in southern Vietnam has issued a message of thanksgiving following the historic beatification of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep on July 2, describing the favorable weather during the celebration as a sign of God's providence after days of widespread rain and storms.

The thanksgiving message, released by Fr. Le Ngoc Nga, director of the Diocese of Can Tho's Liturgical Commission, came after more than 70,000 Catholics gathered at Tac Say Church for Vietnam's first-ever beatification ceremony held on its own soil.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, special envoy of Pope Leo XIV, presided over the beatification Mass, during which Fr. Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was officially declared Blessed.

In the statement, Fr. Ngà reflected on the days leading up to the celebration, when severe weather across many parts of Vietnam raised concerns about whether the outdoor liturgy could proceed as planned.

"Heavy rains and storms affected many parts of the country, causing understandable concern and anxiety about the celebration," he wrote.

He said the faithful responded by praying throughout the nine-day novena that preceded the beatification, asking God to grant favorable weather so pilgrims could gather safely to celebrate the historic event.

According to Fr. Ngà, those prayers were answered.

"Amid days of rain and storm, God granted this significant occasion a cool sky, gentle breezes, and not a single drop of rain to interrupt the joy of His people," he said. "Everything unfolded peacefully, reverently, and prayerfully—beyond what we had hoped for."

Rather than viewing the favorable conditions as a special privilege, the diocese said it received them with humility as a sign of God's loving care and providence.

"Even in these seemingly ordinary circumstances, we recognize His loving hand accompanying, sustaining, and blessing us," Fr. Ngà wrote.

The message echoed St. Paul's exhortation to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), encouraging the faithful to remain grateful regardless of life's challenges.

Fr. Ngà also expressed gratitude to Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, describing him as "the good shepherd who continues to intercede for God's people," and thanked the many clergy, religious, volunteers, and lay faithful whose prayers and sacrifices helped prepare the celebration.

He said their efforts enabled the beatification to take place "in joy, unity, and peace."

Concluding the message, the Diocese of Can Tho invited Catholics to continue living with hearts full of gratitude and to follow the example of the new Blessed through lives rooted in faith, service, and trust in God's providence.

The beatification of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep marks a milestone for the Catholic Church in Vietnam, as it was the first beatification ceremony celebrated in the country rather than at the Vatican. It also drew thousands of pilgrims from across Vietnam and neighboring Asian countries, making it one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the nation's recent history.