Vietnam archbishop hails Marian pilgrimage as ‘event of love, faith'

It also served to prepare for the Solemnity of Pentecost, and celebrated Mary as the 'Woman of Pentecost' Jun 05, 2025
Pilgrims are seen seated during a Holy Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Tra Kieu, Vietnam, on May 31. (Photo: Fides)
HANOI: A Catholic archbishop in Vietnam has termed a recently concluded pilgrimage to a famed Marian shrine as an 'event of love, faith, commitment, and service.'
The journey to the Marian shrine in Tra Kieu, a Catholic village located in Quang Nam province, was undertaken by more than 10,000 pilgrims.
It was an 'opportunity to profess one's faith in the face of the challenges of the present time," said Archbishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan of Hue in his remarks at a Holy Mass on May 31, the Vatican's missionary news service Fides reported on June 3.
People from across Da Nang Diocese, which covers some 10,000 square kilometers, attended Mass at the culmination of the pilgrimage at the end of the Marian month of May.
Traditionally, May is known as the "month of flowers," dedicated in Vietnam to the devotion to Mary.
The pilgrimage to the Marian shrine in Tra Kieu 'is not only an individual act, but a communal act to renew our vocation and mission,' Archbishop Ngan said.
Vietnamese Catholics believe Mother Mary appeared at the top of the church in Tra Kieu in September 1885 to help parishioners defeat royal soldiers who were trying to exterminate the village's Christians.
Archbishop Ngan warned that all activities — community gatherings, liturgies, and pilgrimages — without the grace of the Holy Spirit, 'will be purely social gatherings.'
During the Marian month of May, Catholics observe prayer vigils, open-air Masses, and community rosaries at Marian shrines, where fresh flowers are offered as a sign of love and devotion to the Mother Mary.
The pilgrims also used the event to prepare for the Solemnity of Pentecost, which falls on June 8. The pilgrimage was also a celebration of Mary as the "Woman of Pentecost."
The Da Nang Diocese has been the cradle of Catholicism in southern Vietnam. Evangelization efforts began in the area in 1615 when three Jesuit missionaries landed in Hoi An.
An estimated 130,000-300,000 Christians were killed during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, accused of joining the false religion of Westerners and working with foreign forces to invade the country, Church records say.
Many were executed by beheading, suffocation, or flaying, while others, including priests, were hanged in cages.
The first Vietnamese martyr, Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen, a catechist beatified in 2000 by Pope Saint John Paul II, was the result of the preaching efforts by these Jesuit missionaries, Fides reported.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Da Nang was a leading center of the erstwhile Diocese of Cochinchina (in southern Vietnam).
Pope John XXIII created the Diocese of Da Nang on Jan. 18, 1963.
The diocese, which spans the city of Da Nang and the province of Quang Nam, has approximately 73,000 Catholics (2.7 percent) in a population of 2.7 million across 51 parishes.
It is estimated that Vietnam has approximately seven million Catholics, accounting for around seven percent of the country's 101.5 million population.--ucanews.com

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Herald Malaysia

09-06-2025

• Herald Malaysia

Australian sister reflects on graces of jubilee pilgrimage

Traveling more than 10,000 miles to take part in this weekend's Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities, Sister Therese Mills, MGL, spoke to CNA of her great joy as she joined tens of thousands of other pilgrims in Rome. Jun 09, 2025 Sister Therese Mills, MGL, traveled from Australia to attend the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities in Rome, June 8, 2025. | Credit: Sister Therese Mills By Kristina Millare Traveling more than 10,000 miles to take part in this weekend's Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities, Sister Therese Mills, MGL, spoke to CNA of her great joy as she joined tens of thousands of other pilgrims in Rome. A leader of the Missionaries of God's Love Sisters, a charismatic Catholic group founded in Australia in 1987, Mills said her pilgrimage to Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope has been a time of refreshment and renewal. She described the 'amazing' experience of walking through the Jubilee Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, the first day of the special jubilee dedicated to new Catholic movements and associations. Mills recalled 'just opening my hands and just praying that the Lord would refresh and renew my heart and refresh and renew my faith.' 'The thing that blew me away — and what I loved the most — was we were all on this journey together but everyone was speaking and praying in different languages,' she shared with CNA on Pentecost Sunday. Mills called her visit to the Blessed Sacrament chapel inside the papal basilica a 'God moment' that she will not forget. 'I just sat before Jesus and bawled my eyes out to be honest,' she said with a laugh. 'I was very overwhelmed with his love … the gift of being with him in this place, and with the universal Church.' The approximately 70,000 pilgrims participating in the weekend jubilee had the opportunity to explore different churches in Rome and attend music and entertainment events organized by various ecclesial groups. A few of the hundreds of new Catholic associations taking part in the June jubilee include the Neocatechumenal Way, Catholic Action, Communion and Liberation, the Catholic Shalom Community, the Community of Sant'Egidio, the Focolare Movement, and CHARIS International. During his homily at the Vigil Mass, Pope Leo described the new and diverse Church communities gathered around him as 'the fruits of the Second Vatican Council' who are 'grounded in the one Lord Jesus Christ' entrusted with 'a single mission.' Mills attended both Pope Leo's Pentecost Masses — the Vigil on Saturday night and one on Sunday morning. 'I really love being part of a universal Church, being united as one, and coming together to pray for the Spirit,' Mills said. In the days leading up to the official jubilee festivities, Mills undertook a pilgrimage to holy sites in Rome linked to patron saints of her Australian-based community, including St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Catherine of Siena. The first Missionaries of God's Love Sisters household was formed in the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn in 1988. Since then, the religious sisters have lived and ministered in the Australian cities of Adelaide, Darwin, Melbourne, and Sydney, and led outreach missions around the country and in other Asia-Pacific nations, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea.--CNA

Borneo Post

07-06-2025

• Borneo Post

A family's jubilee pilgrimage to Rome

The four basilicas with Holy Doors in Rome: (Left to right) St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, St. Peter's Basilica Across cultures and continents, religious pilgrimages embody the deep yearning of the human soul to connect with the Divine. For countless believers, these sacred journeys are not merely physical treks – they are spiritual quests filled with meaning, sacrifice and profound transformation. In Islam, the Hajj to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are able, symbolising submission to Allah and unity with the global Muslim ummah. Pilgrims retrace the steps of Prophet Ibrahim, shedding worldly attachments and experiencing humility in the presence of God. Similarly, Hindu pilgrims gather in vast numbers at the Kumbh Mela or journey to temples in Varanasi, believing that bathing in sacred rivers cleanses karma and brings liberation. Christians walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain or visit Jerusalem to trace the life of Jesus Christ, finding healing, forgiveness and renewed purpose in life. For many, each step is a prayer, each mile a meditation on Christ's journey of love and sacrifice. Buddhists visit sites like Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. These serene pilgrimages invite reflection, mindfulness and a deeper understanding of suffering and compassion. For pilgrims, the journey itself becomes sacred with each hardship endured a testament to their devotion. In every faith, pilgrimages renew hope, deepen identity and bridge the earthly and the eternal. They are stories of love, faith and the timeless pursuit of transcendence. Pilgrimage to Rome In the spring of 2025, my family made a pilgrimage to Rome. We weren't tourists, but pilgrims carrying prayers and longings too deep for words. Many friends have since asked me to share our journey to Rome's Four Holy Doors, perhaps for guidance and a glimpse of the grace we encountered. In Rome, where saints lie beneath marble canopies and time whispers through ancient stones – four great basilicas rise like spiritual lighthouses for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Within them are the Holy Doors, ceremoniously opened only during a Jubilee Year, the latest being this year in 2025. These doors offer pilgrims rare encounters with God's boundless mercy, signifying grace, hope and new beginnings. As I reflect and share, my heart fills with gratitude; the spiritual gifts, laughter, anxieties and silent prayers that made this journey unforgettable. To those considering this pilgrimage or simply seeking renewal, I hope our story encourages you. This is a guide to Rome's four major basilicas, and also an invitation to visit the local Holy Doors during this Jubilee Year of Hope. Pilgrimage isn't measured in miles, but in our desire for God. This account is to accompany, showing what's possible on your own sacred path. If Rome feels too far, let these words carry you. Faith moves swiftly when borne by love. Journey with us through these memories, because the spirit of pilgrimage transcends geography, rooted in the love that draw us closer to each other and to God. Whether in Rome or your parish chapel, may these reflections stir your heart toward grace. Pilgrimage Planning: Less Swiss Guard, More Budget Guard Let's start with the practical. Pilgrimage is a spiritual investment but financial prudence is wise. We incorporated our pilgrimage into other family plans, blending faith, family and frugality, 'killing a few birds with one stone'. Retirement certainly helps; no distractions, allowing focus on what really matters. A pilgrimage begins long before takeoff. I researched the four basilicas – their history, saints and relics, using Google, YouTube and Vatican websites. It was also a spiritual sightseeing – faith with context. Modern travel is streamlined: passport, smartphone (and charger!) and credit card with cash becoming obsolete. Group travel helped us save and stay safe. AirBnB, Agoda and offer great stays. Rome has its challenges. Pickpockets and scammers thrive in crowded areas like the basilicas. Stay alert, keep valuables close and look out for one another. Crossing streets is a test of nerves with cars, buses, e-bikes and scooters zipping in every direction. So stay sharp and cautious. Rome's Metro is simple and Uber is an option, especially in group. Ensure someone in your group is 'App-able' for transport and bookings. Every pilgrimage needs a map-reader and a rosary prayer leader. The free, user-friendly Jubilaeum25 App helps you manage bookings for basilicas and events, saving you time at entrances. Security checks are standard and unregistered visitors may face longer queues. Stay hydrated and refill your bottle water at public water fountains. After your pilgrimage, collect your Testimonium – the official Jubilee 2025 certificate – from the Info Point near St. Peter's Square. Personalised with your name, it's a testament of faith renewed and grace received. Our Journey Through the Four Holy Doors of Basilicas We followed a particular sequence in visiting the four Major Basilicas, but there's no fixed order. Grace flows regardless the route you take. Allow each basilica the space it deserves, to absorb its beauty, reflect on its meaning and pray without rush. Rome is a living museum of faith. Let your pilgrimage be a gradual, personal encounter with God, one sacred threshold at a time. My family's pilgrimage to Rome in Jubilee Year 2025 1. St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica: The Apostle's Monumental Resting Place Our pilgrimage began at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where the great Apostle to the Gentiles is buried. This vast, solemn space felt like a sanctuary carved out of time – majestic, quiet and heavy with Saint Paul's enduring voice. The basilica stretches wide, in size and in spirit, bearing the strength of a man who once persecuted but later proclaimed Christ with passion and love. Just beyond the Holy Door, beneath the altar, lies Paul's tomb – his presence felt not only in stone, but in the golden mosaics and bold scriptural inscriptions. Here, we prayed for courage to run our race with endurance, as St Paul did, and to 'keep the faith.' Inside, the silence felt alive, deep and steady like a heartbeat. In that stillness, our family's journey mirrored Paul's: perseverance through trials, openness to renewal and a hope that doesn't give up. We prayed for boldness to live the truth, even if our lives are not free of shipwrecks. As we stepped through the Holy Door, I noticed a tear in my wife's eye – not from sorrow, but perhaps from quiet gratitude: for the road that led us here, and the silent prayers whispered along the way. 2. St. Mary Major Basilica: The Marian Heart of Rome and Final Resting Place of Pope Francis Next, we visited Rome's oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary – the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major basilicas that stands as a lasting testament to the Catholics deep devotion to Mary. At its heart is the icon 'Salus Populi Romani', venerated for centuries, and especially by the late Pope Francis, who prayed before and after his every apostolic journey. It is fitting that this basilica has become his final resting place – a reflection of his Marian devotion and humble service. To kneel before this icon and pray near his tomb is to witness a powerful bond – love for the Virgin Mary for Catholics and service to her Son. As pilgrims walk beneath the golden mosaics and through centuries-old chapels, they are drawn into the same trust that shaped Mary's fiat and Pope Francis's life. In this sacred space, Mary still draws her children close – and now, one of her most faithful sons rests in her care. Passing through the Holy Door here felt like coming home. We remembered our own mothers. As I lit a candle, I thought of Mary at Bethlehem and Calvary, I pray for my mother and felt again how love always carries both joy and sorrow. There is a good side tour nearby. A short stroll away is the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, built over the home of a saint who cared for persecuted Christians. Its Chapel of St. Zeno glows with Byzantine mosaics, and holds a relic believed to be from the pillar where Jesus was scourged. In its quiet simplicity, it offers a moment of deep, personal reflection far from the crowds, close to the heart. The late Pope Francis' favourite image 'Salus Populi Romani' at St Mary Major Basilica 3. St. John Lateran Basilica: The Pope's Cathedral This is the Rome's true cathedral, the official seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the basilica houses several important relics, including the heads of Saints Peter and Paul, a table believed to be used for the Last Supper and a fragment of the original altar used by Saint Peter. Its façade declares 'Mother and Head of all churches in Rome and the world'. Inside, colossal statues of the apostles seem to walk beside you toward the Holy Door. It's like an architectural catechism, with every column a profession of faith. The vast nave was humbling and inviting. We stood, letting that embrace wash over us as we prayed for unity for the Church, the world, and for the daily struggles of family life: chores, schedules, clashing views. Unity begins with everyday grace, and in that sacred space, we asked for strength to keep choosing it, and constant reconciliation with one another. 4. St. Peter's Basilica: The Rock and a Sacred Encounter with the Shepherd Finally, we arrived at St. Peter's Square in Vatican. The square felt like a spiritual amphitheatre with its colonnades embracing pilgrims from every nation on earth. Entering the Holy Door there was humbling and the silence spoke louder than song. I thought of St Peter, crucified upside down nearby. Standing at his tomb, I felt our family being gently grafted into the rootstock of faith. At the door, our son stood between us – fragile, yet brave. As we walked through, I whispered a father's prayer: raw, wordless trust for his healing. Each step drew us closer to Michelangelo's Pietà, to centuries of Catholic heritage carved in stone, to St. Peter himself. Tears came of awe, gratitude and hope. This basilica became the heart of our pilgrimage. On Easter Sunday, we witnessed Pope Francis celebrate the Resurrection in St. Peter's Square. In his popemobile, frail yet luminous, the Pope blessed the world in his Urbi et Orbi message. The moment was electric, sacred as our children beamed. We didn't know it would be our last time seeing him alive. News of his passing came the next morning, and Easter Sunday took on new meaning, a final glimpse of a beloved shepherd. Two days later, under the scorching sun, we joined thousands to bid farewell. Inside the basilica, kneeling by his body, it felt intimate – a goodbye wrapped in grace. St. Peter's wasn't just a Holy Door. For us, it was a sacred encounter of blessing and final farewell – where joy and sorrow wove together into a lasting memory of love. ( Also read: ) A Moment of Grace: When God Sends His Angels The day my wife and I came to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the sun was merciless, and the queue at St. Peter's stretched endlessly. We arrived at 8:00 am; the basilica doors open at 10:00 am, and our flight was at 6:10 pm. For hours, we inched forward in the heat. Some elderly pilgrims fainted, tempers flared and queue-jumpers tested our patience. Thirsty, exhausted and spiritually stretched, a deeper current ran -reverence, resilience and a shared desire to honour a beloved shepherd. Then came a stranger, Fr. Albert Musinguzi, a cheerful Ugandan priest who offered to take a photo, We exchanged contacts. A small kindness or so we thought. We kept bumping into him all day, like a thread of grace weaving through the crowd. After nearly four hours, we reached the basilica, paid our respects; and my wife and I got 'separated'. In a sea of thousands, my wife vanished, her phone already dead, mine at 10%. Our kids were waiting. We hadn't checked out from our accommodation. I was now a husband lost in church. Panic set in – until grace, in a clerical collar, returned. 'Mary is with me,' Fr. Albert said on his phone. Amidst the chaos, he found her. A divine appointment, not coincidence. We believe God spoke through his presence and compassion through Fr. Albert, our angel in Roman heat. The trials didn't let up thereafter. First, a delayed check-out set our schedule back, throwing the day into disarray. Then, an ATM swallowed one of our cards – an infuriating inconvenience in a foreign country. But the most dramatic blow came next: we missed our flight. The cost of a new ticket was astronomical, and for a moment, it felt like we had fallen from a spiritual high into the chaos of logistical despair. And yet, through all of it, grace endured. Against all odds, we managed to return to London without paying a single penny more. It felt nothing short of miraculous – a quiet reminder that even in the most tangled circumstances, unseen hands can still guide us home. In the storm, we began to see it: small mercies, quiet reassurances, strangers turned helpers. God's grace is never late. It often wears human faces, works through dead phones, speaks softly and renders kindness through angels in plain clothes. Kindred Spirits Along the Way: With youth pilgrims, nuns from Argentina and our human angel, Fr Albert Musinguzi from Uganda. Heartfelt Moments and Family Grace Perhaps, no pilgrimage is complete without laughter, anxieties and unexpected blessings. It drew our family closer, to God and to one another. Amid the basilicas' grandeur, we found something even more beautiful: the quiet companionship of faith. Holding hands in prayer, helping each other up steps, taking turns leading the reflection and prayers – these were the true treasures. As we completed our journey, I realised we hadn't just walked through doors, but thresholds of grace. We carried our intentions, joys, aches and hopes – and laid them at God's feet. We met fellow pilgrims – each with their own story and prayer. What struck us most was the warmth of strangers. We reached out to young people, elderly nuns and weary travelers – and kindness was returned, again and again. Pilgrimage reminds us: hearts open when we do. For me, as husband and father, this was more than symbolic. It was where faith met family – where Rome's timeless beauty embraced the fragile, enduring love we carry for one another. We left with lighter hearts, not because the path was easy, but because mercy met us at every door. If you're discerning a similar journey, Rome's Holy Doors are within reach – and truly transformative. If Rome feels too far, remember your local Holy Doors are sacred too, blessed and open to grace. Go for it. For Catholics, the God who opens Rome's Holy Doors is the same God who opens the door to our hearts, our homes and our daily lives. His mercy knows no borders. May this story stir your spirit and may your pilgrimage, wherever it leads, renew your soul with the quiet joy of walking with God.

The Star

05-06-2025

• The Star

Egypt, Greece agree to protect status of Mount Sinai monastery, after court ruling

FILE PHOTO: A general view of St. Catherine's Monastery in South Sinai, Egypt, March 7, 2019. Picture taken March 7, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo ATHENS (Reuters) -Greece and Egypt have agreed to safeguard the status of one of the world's oldest sites of Christian worship, foreign ministers of both countries said late on Wednesday, after an Egyptian court ruling last week cast uncertainty over its future. The St Catherine's Monastery, at the foot of Egypt's Mount Sinai, was founded in the 6th century and is the oldest Christian monastery still in use for its original function, says UNESCO, which has listed the area as a World Heritage site. Revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, the monastery is at the site where by Biblical tradition Moses received the Ten Commandments. But last week, an Egyptian court ruling seen by Reuters ordered Orthodox monks to vacate several plots of land that the monks have used for years, including vineyards and gardens adjacent to the monastery compound, on the grounds that they were illegally sequestered, prompting a diplomatic flurry between Cairo and Athens over the site's status. "We agreed in the immediate future to work towards safeguarding the rights of the monastery, as well as its legal status," Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said after meeting his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Cairo. "Both Egypt and Greece intend to move forward based on the long-standing tradition and the already established status of an emblematic monastery for its Greek Orthodox character of worship". Abdelatty said that the ruling preserves the monastery's profound spiritual value and religious standing, and confirmed that the monks would continue to have access to and use of the monastery and its religious and historical sites, according to a foreign ministry statement. With a long history of diplomatic ties, Greece and Egypt have deepened cooperation in recent years. St Catherine's is a sprawling complex, and according to tradition it was built around a burning bush where God was said to have spoken to Moses as described in the Book of Exodus. Its library is one of the most extensive worldwide, containing some of the world's earliest Christian manuscripts. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou, Mohamed Ezz and Michele Kambas, Editing by William Maclean)