As Vietnam's first Beatification ceremony approaches, Tac Say Church has become increasingly vibrant, welcoming pilgrims seeking prayer, reflection and information about the upcoming celebration.
Located along National Highway 1 in Phong Thanh Commune, Ca Mau Province, Tac Say Church - the venue for the Beatification Mass of Father Truong Buu Diep, affectionately known by many Catholics as Father Diep - traces its history back to 1925. More than an impressive Catholic landmark, it has become a symbol of faith across Vietnam's southern region.The Tac Say Pilgrimage Center covers approximately 20,000 square meters and consists of four main buildings designed in a spacious and modern style.The main church is a striking three-story structure with a red-tiled roof and soaring bell towers rising against the blue sky. While contemporary in design, it preserves the solemn character of Catholic architecture. It serves as the spiritual heart of the pilgrimage center and hosts its major liturgical celebrations.
The sanctuary was designed with a large seating capacity and is consistently filled during Masses, particularly on major occasions such as the annual commemoration of Father Diep on March 12.
The interior arrangement of the church reflects a sense of solemnity and reverence.
To the left of the main entrance lies the burial site of Father Truong Buu Diep.
Pilgrims visiting Tac Say gather in prayer at Father Diep's final resting place.Many pilgrims come not only to observe religious rituals but also to honor the life and character of Father Truong Buu Diep.
Catholics pray beside Father Truong Buu Diep's tomb.Nguyen Thi Tuyet, 72, from An Giang Province, left home at 5 a.m. to reach Tac Say Church. She said her family makes the pilgrimage every year to pray before Father Diep's tomb, but this year carries special significance. Because they live far away, they wanted to arrive earlier than usual.
Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was born on January 1, 1897, in Con Phuoc Parish, An Giang Province. In March 1930, he was assigned to Tac Say Parish, where he built a new chapel and expanded pastoral work to several outlying Catholic communities. Beginning with a simple chapel made of wood and thatch, he laid the foundation for what has become today's thriving Tac Say Parish.A statue of Father Truong Buu Diep stands prominently in the center of the pilgrimage grounds. Beneath vibrant flowering trellises, rows of stone benches provide a quiet place for pilgrims and visitors to pause and pray for peace.In addition to its main buildings, Tac Say Church also provides accommodation for pilgrims traveling from distant provinces, with space for approximately 600 guests.In preparation for the Beatification Mass scheduled for July 2, workers are racing to complete a five-hectare site opposite Tac Say Church, where a large outdoor altar is being built. The venue is expected to welcome more than 100,000 Catholics and pilgrims.
Vietnamnet.vn
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