On 2 July 2026, a remarkable milestone was marked in the history of the Catholic Church in Vietnam as Servant of God Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was officially declared Blessed at the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center in the Diocese of Can Tho. This was the first time in history that a Beatification Mass had been celebrated on Vietnamese soil.

The solemn Mass was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Special Envoy of Pope Leo XIV and Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. The celebration brought together Cardinals, Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and tens of thousands of faithful pilgrims from across Vietnam and around the world.

This historic event is not only a great joy for the Diocese of Can Tho, but also a special blessing for the entire Church in Vietnam.

1. Who is Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep?

Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was born on 1 January 1897 in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. He was ordained a priest in 1924 and faithfully served in several parishes within the Diocese of Can Tho, most notably at Tac Say Parish located in Hamlet 2A, along National Highway 1A, Phong Thanh Commune, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam.

Father Diep was widely known as a humble and compassionate shepherd, always close to his people and especially attentive to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.

Amid the turmoil and violence of 1946, although he had the opportunity to leave and ensure his own safety, Father Diep chose to remain with his flock. He willingly sacrificed his life in order to protect his parishioners, becoming a living witness to pastoral charity and unwavering fidelity to Christ.

On 12 March 1946, Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was killed at Dau Sau, Ca Mau Province. His heroic sacrifice later became the foundation for his cause for beatification.

2. The Beatification Process of Father Truong Buu Diep

Devotion to Father Truong Buu Diep has spread widely for decades, not only among Vietnamese Catholics but also among overseas Vietnamese communities and even non-Christians.

After many years of investigation, research, and the collection of testimonies, the Church recognized Father Diep as a martyr who gave his life for his flock.

In 2024, the Vatican officially recognized his martyrdom, paving the way for his beatification without the need for the recognition of a miracle, as is normally required. The Holy See’s approval of the Beatification Mass has opened a new chapter in the history of the Church in Vietnam.

The Church has designated 12 March each year as the liturgical memorial of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep.

With his beatification, Father Diep becomes the second Vietnamese Blessed, following Blessed Andrew Phu Yen, the young catechist who was beatified in 2000. While the Church in Vietnam already honors the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs canonized as saints, Father Diep’s case is particularly distinctive. He was not killed during a state-sponsored persecution of Christians but rather amid the chaos of post-war violence, choosing solidarity with his people over personal safety.

3. The Beatification Celebration at Tac Say – A Historic Milestone for the Church in Vietnam

During 1–2 July 2026, the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center became a true gathering place of faith, welcoming tens of thousands of pilgrims from throughout Vietnam and from Vietnamese communities abroad.

The atmosphere at Tac Say was filled with prayer, hymns, and profound emotion among the People of God. Liturgical celebrations, prayer services, and Holy Masses were celebrated in a spirit of reverence and devotion, reflecting the faithful’s deep love for Blessed Truong Buu Diep.

The presence of Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle as the Pope’s Special Envoy highlighted the profound communion between the Church in Vietnam and the Universal Church. This event is not only a source of pride for the Diocese of Can Tho but also a shared joy for Catholics throughout Vietnam.

4. The Significance of the Beatification for the Church in Vietnam

The beatification of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep carries profound spiritual significance.

First and foremost, it is the Church’s official recognition of Father Diep’s witness of faith and pastoral charity, which he ultimately expressed through the sacrifice of his own life.

This historic event also invites every Christian today to imitate Father Diep by living the faith courageously, faithfully, and generously amid the challenges of contemporary society.

Above all, the image of a priest who chose to remain with his people in times of danger continues to inspire priests, religious, and lay faithful in their mission of evangelization. As many Church documents have emphasized, Father Diep’s most distinctive characteristic was his commitment to “remaining with his people” and “going forth to all people.”

Today, the Tac Say Pilgrimage Center is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in Vietnam. Each year, millions of pilgrims visit the tomb of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, seeking his intercession and spiritual strength for their daily lives.

The information in this article has been compiled from official sources of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam, the Diocese of Can Tho, and Vatican News.

Let us now look back at some memorable moments from the Beatification Mass of Blessed Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, captured by the Communications Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam (Truyền thông HĐDMVN)

Vietnam Catholic Tours