By Charles Igwe
More than 10,000 Catholics from across the Diocese of Da Nang gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Tra Kieu to mark the conclusion of the Marian month of May. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometers, the pilgrims came from parishes and communities across the region, forming a sea of the faithful united in prayer, praise, and Marian reverence.
The pilgrimage took place on the Solemnity of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary—a liturgical celebration that commemorates Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc, Coadjutor of the Archdiocese of Hue, presided over the occasion, describing it as “an event of love, faith, commitment, and service, an opportunity to profess one’s faith in the face of the challenges of the present time.”
The Shrine of Our Lady of Tra Kieu, where the event unfolded, is deeply rooted in Vietnam’s Catholic heritage. According to local tradition, it was the site of a Marian apparition 140 years ago, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to comfort and guide her people during times of hardship. That legacy continues to inspire the faithful today, particularly in moments of social and spiritual trial.
Beyond its role in concluding the month of May, the pilgrimage also prepared hearts for the upcoming Solemnity of Pentecost on June 8. Mary, venerated during this time as the “Woman of Pentecost,” is seen by many Vietnamese Catholics as a guiding presence in their spiritual lives. This twofold celebration—Marian and Pentecostal—reveals the richness of Catholic devotion in Vietnam and the Church’s desire to walk in the Spirit with the mother of Christ at the center.
Vietnamese Catholicism, though representing just 7% of the population (around 7 million people), displays remarkable vitality, particularly through Marian devotion. Throughout May, Catholic communities nationwide participated in open-air Masses, prayer vigils, processions, and communal rosaries. Pilgrimages to Marian sites such as Our Lady of La Vang in the Diocese of Hue and Our Lady of Nui Cui in Xuan Loc reflect a deep cultural and spiritual connection to Mary, especially in remembrance of the Virgin’s interventions during times of persecution in Vietnam’s history.
The pilgrimage to Tra Kieu was far more than a devotional journey; it was a communal witness to faith. Archbishop Dang Duc emphasized this, calling it “not only an individual act, but a communal act to renew our vocation and mission, since we are all the people of God and we are all walking together in faith, in love, toward evangelization.”
The Diocese of Da Nang, which hosted the pilgrimage, holds a special place in Vietnam’s Catholic history. It traces its Christian roots to three Jesuit missionaries who arrived in the port city of Hoi An in 1615. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became a vital hub for missionary activity, forming part of the then-diocese of Cochinchina in southern Vietnam. The diocese’s legacy includes the story of Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen, a catechist and Vietnam’s first martyr, beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II.
