LA VANG (LiCAS): More than 90,000 people converged on the national shrine of Our Lady of La Vang, central Vietnam, on August 15 to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The pilgrimage opened before dawn with a grand procession from the Marian monument to the Basilica altar, according to the Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference.
Tradition holds that Our Lay appeared in La Vang 227 years ago to comfort Catholics facing persecution.
Father Dominic Phan Hung, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Hue, opened the celebration by recalling the legacy of the tradition.
“Before offering the solemn Mass in honour of the Assumption, children of Mary from across the nation and abroad gather here at La Vang to accompany the Blessed Mother in glorifying and thanking God for the singular grace given to her,” Father Phan said.
Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan of Hue and Father Phan incensed the statue of Our Lady before leading the faithful toward the basilica.
Before offering the solemn Mass in honour of the Assumption, children of Mary from across the nation and abroad gather here at La Vang to accompany the Blessed Mother in glorifying and thanking God for the singular grace given to her
Father Dominic Phan Hung
Archbishop Dang presided over the solemn Mass at the Basilica altar, joined by Archbishop Emeritus Francis Xavier Le Van Hong of Hue, Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of Freetown in Sierra Leone, and nearly 300 priests.
Reflecting on Mary’s life, the archbishop said it was a mystery of “God’s loving providence” and her faithful response in hope and trust. He urged Catholics “to follow Mary’s example of obedience to God’s will, so that His plan may be fulfilled in each person.”
He reminded pilgrims of Mary’s apparition at La Vang, saying it gave strength to believers in times of trial. “The Assumption is not only a major feast but also a firm promise of eternal glory for every believer—the peak of Christian hope,” he stressed.
Drawing on Scripture, Archbishop Dang described Mary as “the image of the glorious Church,” “the first fruits of salvation,” and “a model of service and love.”
He officially announced that the 32nd National Marian Congress of La Vang will be held on 13-15 August 2026
The archbishop underlined La Vang’s significance for Vietnamese Catholics, saying it is “the place Mary chose to accompany our Vietnamese people, amid wars, suspicion, and religious persecution.”
The archbishop said he rejoiced that the pilgrimage took place “in the peace that God has given, fulfilling the hopes of many people. Especially, the Blessed Mother has also favoured us with pleasant weather.”
He officially announced that the 32nd National Marian Congress of La Vang will be held on 13-15 August 2026. The celebration concluded with the solemn papal blessing carrying a plenary indulgence for the Jubilee Year 2025.
The Archdiocese of Hue said the faithful returned home carrying “faith in God and the peace of Mary, to remain hopeful pilgrims on their journey to heaven.”
