Vietnamese Catholics Flock to La Vang Shrine in Hope and Devotion

Tens of thousands of Vietnamese Catholics made their way to the Marian Shrine of La Vang, in the Archdiocese of Huế, central Vietnam, for the annual pilgrimage held on August 14 and 15, marking the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The event drew more than 90,000 pilgrims, many of whom camped overnight in tents, echoing the historical devotion of their ancestors who once sought refuge in this very place during periods of persecution.

La Vang holds a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese Catholics. According to tradition, Our Lady appeared here in 1798, comforting and protecting persecuted believers hiding in the forest. This year’s pilgrimage, under the theme “Mary, Mother of Hope,” emphasized trust in Mary during troubled times.

As Fides reported, thousands of volunteers from local parishes and religious communities ensured the smooth running of the event by managing logistics, including lighting, security, medical aid, and waste management. Forty confessionals were also made available throughout the day for those seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The pilgrimage began with a flower offering ceremony on the afternoon of August 14, followed by a vigil Mass. In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Vu Cong Vien of Hanoi reminded pilgrims that “Mary continues to bless those who come here to seek her intercession,” adding that La Vang remains a place of divine comfort and grace.

At dawn on August 15, a solemn procession honoring Our Lady of La Vang led into the Feast Day Mass, presided over by Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan. Concelebrated by several bishops and hundreds of priests, the liturgy was a powerful moment of unity and spiritual renewal.

Reflecting on today’s global crises, war, poverty, and division, Bishop Ngan called on the faithful to follow the example of their ancestors and entrust themselves to Mary. As Fides noted, he emphasized that in every age of turmoil, the Virgin Mary remains a beacon of hope.