Millions Turn Their Hearts Toward Tac Say as Father Truong Buu Diep Is Declared Blessed

(NSGH) – Millions of Vietnamese Catholics and Vietnamese communities around the world are turning their hearts toward the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center with joy, gratitude, and great anticipation. The Church’s official celebration of the Beatification Mass of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep is not only a significant event for the Catholic Church in Vietnam but also a historic milestone for those who have long cherished the priest known as the “Father of Mercy.”

In a special announcement, the Holy See revealed that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will represent the Holy Father in presiding over the Beatification Mass at Tac Say. The presence of the Filipino cardinal, one of the most influential figures in the universal Church, further highlights the importance of this extraordinary celebration.

Father Truong Buu Diep – A Shepherd Who Lived and Died for His Flock

According to reports by Nhip Song Giao Hoi (Church Life Magazine), Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was born on January 1, 1897, in An Giang Province, Vietnam. After studying at Cu Lao Gieng Seminary and the Major Seminary of Phnom Penh, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1924 and began his pastoral ministry in the challenging conditions of southern Vietnam.

Throughout his priestly life, Father Diep was known for his simplicity, humility, and closeness to the faithful. Wherever he served, he devoted particular care to the poor, the sick, and those marginalized by society.

Father Truong Buu Diep’s name became inseparably linked with Tac Say Parish. During the turbulent years of war, he chose to remain with his parishioners rather than seek safety for himself. According to Church historical records, on March 12, 1946, Father Diep sacrificed his life while protecting his faithful from the dangers of the time.

His sacrifice became a powerful witness to pastoral charity and fidelity to the priestly mission. For generations, Father Diep has remained a cherished figure in the faith life of the Vietnamese people, symbolizing charity, generosity, and selfless service.

Following his death, his reputation for holiness continued to spread. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Tac Say to pray at his tomb. Not only Catholics, but also many people from other religious traditions come to pay their respects and seek his intercession before God.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – The Holy Father’s Representative for the Great Celebration

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle was born on June 21, 1957, in Manila, Philippines. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent Church leaders in Asia today.

Ordained a priest in 1982, he pursued advanced theological studies and soon became known for his excellence in teaching, academic research, and pastoral ministry among the people.

In 2001, Saint Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Imus. Ten years later, Pope Benedict XVI named him Archbishop of Manila, the largest archdiocese in the Philippines.

In 2012, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals. Through his simple lifestyle, spirit of service, and special concern for the poor, Cardinal Tagle quickly emerged as one of the leading voices of the global Catholic Church.

From 2015 to 2022, he served as President of Caritas Internationalis, leading numerous charitable initiatives in regions affected by natural disasters, war, and poverty.

Since 2019, Cardinal Tagle has served in the Roman Curia at the Vatican. He currently holds a key leadership role within the Dicastery for Evangelization, the department responsible for the Church’s missionary work throughout the world.

A Historic Event for the Church in Vietnam

The beatification of Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep is regarded as a moment of immense joy for the Church in Vietnam after many years of anticipation. It is not only a recognition of his holy life and heroic sacrifice but also an invitation for all believers to follow the example of a shepherd who lived the Gospel to the fullest.

In recent days, preparations for the solemn celebration at Tac Say have been progressing rapidly. Dioceses, religious congregations, and Catholic communities throughout the country have also organized prayer services, Masses, and spiritual activities in communion with this special occasion.

The day Father Truong Buu Diep is honored upon the altar of the Church will not belong solely to the Diocese of Can Tho or the faithful of Tac Say. It will be a day of celebration for the entire People of God in Vietnam. Millions of hearts will turn toward this sacred land in the southernmost region of the country to give thanks to God for granting the Church a courageous witness of faith—a shepherd who truly lived and died for his flock.

Thanh Doan