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The 32nd Our Lady of La Vang Pilgrimage officially opened on the afternoon of August 13 at the Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang in Hai Lang Commune, Quang Tri Province.
The 2026 pilgrimage runs from August 13 to 15, bringing together Catholics from across Vietnam for three days of religious and cultural activities.
Drummers perform during the opening Mass of the 32nd Our Lady of La Vang Pilgrimage Congress. Photo: Pham Tien
According to the official program released by the Archdiocese of Hue, the opening ceremony began at 5:30 p.m. on August 13, followed by the opening Mass at 6 p.m., presided over by Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Vice President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam.
Representatives of archdioceses, dioceses and parishes joined large numbers of Catholics and pilgrims from across the country for the gathering.
In a solemn atmosphere, the congregation turned toward the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang, one of the most significant places of Marian devotion for Catholics in Vietnam.
La Vang has long drawn Catholics from across the country and overseas for prayer and pilgrimage. Vatican News refers to the site as the “La Vang shrine” and identifies the Marian devotion there as Our Lady of La Vang.
The 2026 gathering carries the theme “Mary, Proclaimer of the Good News,” according to the Archdiocese of Hue.
To accommodate the large number of pilgrims, local authorities and relevant agencies have introduced measures covering public security, traffic management, environmental sanitation, food safety and healthcare.
Under Plan No. 1364/KH-UBND dated July 20, 2026, the Hai Lang Commune People's Committee instructed relevant agencies to proactively carry out their assigned duties and create favorable conditions for residents and visitors traveling to La Vang.
Traffic and safety measures stepped up for pilgrims
On roads leading to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang, traffic police from Quang Tri Provincial Police have coordinated with Hai Lang Commune Police to regulate vehicles and minimize congestion.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Quang, deputy head of the Traffic Police Division under Quang Tri Provincial Police, said seven checkpoints and mobile patrol teams involving more than 100 officers had been deployed.
“The authorities are focusing on regulating traffic and helping people travel conveniently, while reminding drivers not to stop or park in prohibited areas and asking vendors not to encroach on roadways,” Quang said.
Nguyen Hong Cong, a pilgrim from Ha Tinh Province, said traffic along the route from National Highway 1A to La Vang was well organized, making the journey relatively smooth.
Alongside traffic management, monitoring has been stepped up in the pine forest behind the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang.
The Hai Lang Forest Protection Unit is coordinating with commune police and other agencies to prevent forest fires during the pilgrimage.
Food safety and medical services strengthened
In addition to security and traffic measures, local authorities have placed particular emphasis on food safety.
Businesses selling food and beverages or providing dining services around the La Vang shrine have been inspected and instructed to comply with food hygiene and safety regulations.
Hoang Thanh Tung, who runs a drinks shop opposite the shrine's main entrance, said local businesses had received guidance from authorities on complying fully with food safety requirements ahead of the pilgrimage.
Medical services have also been organized with an emphasis on preparedness. The Hai Lang Commune People's Committee instructed the local health station to maintain 24-hour emergency coverage and prepare medicines, equipment and medical supplies to respond promptly to any incidents.
Hai Lang General Hospital is coordinating with the commune health station and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang to deploy mobile emergency teams, ambulances and medical personnel on standby throughout the gathering.
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With coordinated preparations by local authorities, the Catholic Church and relevant agencies, the 32nd Our Lady of La Vang Pilgrimage is expected to take place safely and solemnly while meeting the religious needs of pilgrims.
Earlier on August 13, Nguyen Chien Thang, Deputy Secretary of the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, visited Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan of the Archdiocese of Hue to extend congratulations on the occasion of the pilgrimage.
Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan is the Archbishop of Hue and is scheduled to preside over the solemn Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15, which will bring the 32nd pilgrimage to a close.
Tien Pham
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