by Andrew Doan Thanh Phong
Hanoi – The news regarding the Beatification Mass for Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep has flooded over the media and social networks across Vietnam in recent days. Together with that, thousands of pilgrimage groups from all corners of the country have made their way to Tac Say—a small and poor town in the rice-growing region of the Mekong Delta of far South Vietnam. This is an unprecedented event, a significant milestone for the history of nearly 500 years that The Good News has been cultivated in the country of Vietnam. An estimated 100,000 people not only within the country but also from other Asian countries, together with Vietnamese overseas from all over the world are excitedly flocking here. Furthermore, two thousand priests have been registered for the Mass Celebration together with about 70 bishops, archbishops, and cardinals from Vietnam and abroad. This is the most comprehensive presence of the Vietnamese Church leadership and neighboring Churches.
The liturgical concelebration will be presided over on Thursday, July 2, by Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization , as special envoy of Pope Leo XIV.
The works of preparation for this solemn Mass are being urgently finalized at the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center. “Thanks to the intercession of Father Diep, the connections have been forged across various sectors, bringing all people together not only the faithful from inside the Can Tho Diocese but also from outside. By now, the preparations are almost completed” shared Father Peter Vu Van Hai, Vicar General of the Can Tho Diocese and Head of the Organizing Committee for the beatification Mass of Father P.X. Truong Buu Diep. “To accommodate such a large number of people, we have to set up tents both in the area with the platform of the celebration and in the courtyard of the Tac Say church due to the rainy season in this area. The tents have been continuously expanded beyond the initial plan since the ever-increasing number of attendants registered”: continued by Father Hai. All the areas reserved for the Mass-goers are equipped with sound systems, LED screens, and other necessary facilities to help the congregation participate in the liturgy with solemnity and devotion.
The diocese has finished printing a book about Father Diep to give to the attendees, additionally various lay groups and communities within the diocese have handmade approximately 30,000 rosaries as keepsakes for those present at the Mass. Furthermore, 50,000 copies of newly designed photos of Father Diep have been printed for distribution to those at the Mass.
For the preparations of the beatification Celebration of Father P.X. Trương Bửu Diệp, the Diocese of Can Tho has chosen a guiding principle of “BEING TOGETHER”, that means everyone must join hands with his right and duty for the work and performs his task in the spirit of Synodality, Communion, and Mission. Therefore more than 280 priests of the diocese, including those studying abroad, have to work in their respective assigned areas.
The teams of security, ceremonial, medical, and logistical support are also volunteers from various parishes, all of whom are selfless and quietly contribute to the best of their abilities.
In the meantime, the diocese of Can Tho is coordinating closely with relevant authorities in the areas of transportation, security, health, fire prevention and rescue to ensure that the Holy Mass would take place in a safe, orderly, and smooth atmosphere. Field hospitals, satellite medical stations are being installed, together with that security forces are trained and ready to work for the Celebration.
Mr. Ngo Vu Thang, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ca Mau province where Tac Say church belongs, said: “This is a very important religious event with international significance, so the province has coordinated with the organizing committee in Can Tho diocese to implement the tasks from a long time ago”. And he emphasized: “Relevant units have essentially completed their assigned tasks for ensuring that all necessary arrangements regarding protocol, logistics, security and order, traffic safety, medical services, and fire prevention are ready”. The province of Ca Mau ensures that the Beatification Celebration is conducted solemnly, safely, and successfully; local authorities are also advised to provide the most favorable conditions for delegates, religious dignitaries, clergy, the laity, and pilgrims attending the Holy Mass.
Amidst a joyful and fervent atmosphere of preparation for the Beatification Mass of the Servant of God Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep on July 2, 2026, Father Peter Vu Van Hai, Vicar General of the Diocese of Can Tho, presided over the blessing ceremony for statues of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep on the afternoon of June 30.
The blessed statues are going to be installed at key locations within the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center, specifically in the area of the ceremonial stage where the Beatification Mass will take place. This is the official design of the Diocese of Can Tho, meticulously crafted based on an original photograph which portrays the Blessed in his real manner of being approachable, gentle, and charitable for Catholic faithful to contemplate and pray.
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