The Shrine of La Vang, located in Quang Tri province, is the largest pilgrimage center dedicated to Our Lady in Vietnam and Indochina.
Newsroom (September 6, 2021 10:00 AM, Gaudium Press) Every year, on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, thousands of Catholic pilgrims from all over Vietnam make a pilgrimage to the La Vang Shrine to attend Masses, recite the Rosary, and offer dances and flowers to Our Lady.
This year, however, because of Covid-19, the pilgrims were unable to repeat this act of devotion. Through the internet, the devotees of the Blessed Mother followed the live transmission of the only Mass presided by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hue, Monsignor Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh, at the main altar of the Shrine and concelebrated by some priests.
The Lord blesses those who still trust in God and Our Lady
Expressing his regret that the faithful would not be able to participate in person in the act, the prelate also conveyed his hope as he recalled the last Mass celebrated on August 15, 2019, by many Bishops and thousands of priests.
“Today each of us is wondering where the Blessed Virgin Mary is, asking her to look at the miseries of her children and listen to the voices of those weeping in Vietnam and around the world. We firmly believe that the Lord blesses those who still trust in Him and the Blessed Virgin Mary, even if they are overcome by despair due of their difficult circumstances. We don’t know God’s plan, but we are sure that He loves his children and offered his life on the cross to save our lives,” he stressed.
Bishop Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh urged the faithful, within the context of the crisis caused by the pandemic, to continue to pray, keeping Faith in Almighty God and invoking Our Lady constantly.
Shrine and Apparitions of Our Lady at La Vang
In the year 1798, Our Lady appeared in the jungle of La Vang to help many faithful who were taking refuge there from government persecution. While suffering, hungry and thirsty, the fugitives gathered under a large tree and entrusted their suffering to the Blessed Virgin Mary, reciting the Rosary.
At that moment, Our Lady appeared and consoled them, pointing to some nearby leaves to cure their illnesses. Before saying goodbye, the Mother of God said: “From now on, whoever comes here to invoke My Name, their prayer will be accepted and they will be blessed.”
Since then, the faithful have organized Marian feasts and solemnities there. In addition, a large number of the faithful gather annually at the Shrine to venerate and thank the Mother of God. The La Vang Shrine, located in Quang Tri province, is the largest pilgrimage center dedicated to Our Lady in Vietnam and Indochina. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
