Tens of thousands of pilgrims from across Vietnam have gathered at the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center in Ca Mau ahead of the beatification ceremony for Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, many spending the night on mats as they wait to attend the special Mass.

On July 1, one day before the beatification ceremony for Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, pilgrims from many provinces and cities poured into Tac Say in Ca Mau Province. The church grounds were filled with worshippers as volunteers and support teams worked continuously throughout the day.

Around four kilometers of National Highway 1 near the church became heavily congested with vehicles. Traffic police and the church's Catholic security volunteers continuously directed traffic and discouraged motorists from stopping for extended periods. Parking areas around the church quickly reached capacity, while hotels and guesthouses in the area were fully booked.

Under the expansive shelter near Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep's tomb, thousands of pilgrims sat closely together on mats and tarpaulins surrounded by their luggage.

Older people, children, families and pilgrimage groups from many parts of Vietnam gathered at Tac Say while awaiting the beatification ceremony.

Huin, a 36-year-old member of the Gia Rai ethnic group from Gia Lai Province, said he and a group of more than 160 pilgrims departed at 7 p.m. on June 30 to reach Tac Say.

He said he had never witnessed such large crowds during previous pilgrimages to Tac Say Church.

"From the highway all the way to the church, there were people everywhere. Restaurants and drink stalls were crowded, but the atmosphere was joyful. Most importantly, there was no pushing or disorder. I think the authorities have done an excellent job maintaining security," Huin said.

The tomb of Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep inside Tac Say Church remained packed with visitors paying their respects and offering prayers.

Restaurants, refreshment stalls, souvenir vendors and incense shops along the roads leading to the church remained busy throughout the day. Organizers established six rest stations for pilgrims approaching the venue, including two along the Quan Lo – Phung Hiep route and four on National Highway 1.

Pilgrims spread mats and tarpaulins across the grounds of the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center to rest before the beatification ceremony. The gathering of tens of thousands of people from different regions, backgrounds and even other religions created what many described as a powerful symbol of national unity and interfaith solidarity.

The beatification ceremony for Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on July 2 at the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center. Large LED screens have been installed outside the church grounds so pilgrims can follow the Mass.

Father Peter Vu Van Hai, Vicar General of the Diocese of Can Tho, said the beatification of Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep represents a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in Vietnam and carries broader meaning for society.

The ceremony marks the first time a beatification rite has been celebrated in Vietnam. It also offers an opportunity for many people to reflect on the values of compassion, sacrifice and service to the community that Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep is remembered for.

Authorities and organizers prepare for the historic Mass

Ngo Vu Thang, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, said provincial authorities began preparations well in advance. The Provincial Party Standing Committee established a steering committee during the initial planning phase, while the chairman of the provincial People's Committee approved an organizational plan and created a coordination team linking government agencies with event organizers throughout the preparation process.

Authorities reviewed 146 accommodation facilities offering more than 4,600 rooms, while also identifying more than 300 hotels and guesthouses across Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Gia Rai Ward that could accommodate visitors.

To prepare for the large influx of pilgrims, local authorities upgraded infrastructure around the venue by paving sidewalks, planting trees along National Highway 1, increasing waste collection, reorganizing street vending areas and strengthening traffic management.

Father Joseph Vo Van Hoai, Director of the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, said logistics had been planned on a large scale. Parishioners collected 47,000 breakfast meals and 200,000 bottles of drinking water for pilgrims, prepared 1,850 liturgical vestments to present to bishops and priests, and arranged 14,000 meals for invited guests attending the ceremony.

The extensive preparations, from infrastructure upgrades to logistical planning, reflect the close cooperation between local authorities and church organizers in ensuring the success of the event while highlighting Vietnam's commitment to providing an open religious environment where faith, culture and local development coexist.

Tao Dat