Our Lady of Tra Kieu: The 1885 Apparition and 141st Anniversary in 2026

Our Lady of Tra Kieu is a Marian devotion associated with the apparition and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the persecution of the Catholic community at Tra Kieu in Central Vietnam in September 1885.

In September 2026, the faithful will gather at the Our Lady of Tra Kieu Marian Shrine to commemorate the 141st anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady at Tra Kieu (1885–2026).

Today, Tra Kieu is an important Marian pilgrimage destination of the Diocese of Da Nang, where the story of 1885 continues to hold a special place in the faith of Vietnamese Catholics.

1. What Happened at Tra Kieu in 1885?

The story of Our Lady of Tra Kieu is closely connected with the persecution of Catholics during the Van Than movement in Central Vietnam in 1885.

According to historical accounts preserved by the Diocese of Da Nang, Tra Kieu came under attack on September 1, 1885. At the time, the parish was under the pastoral care of Father Bruyère, known locally as Cố Nhơn.

The Catholic community was surrounded and faced repeated attacks. With far fewer resources than the attacking forces, the Catholics of Tra Kieu defended their community while placing their trust in God and seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bruyère set up an altar to Our Lady in the rectory, where members of the community gathered to pray during the crisis.

The siege lasted approximately 21 days. During the critical days of September 10 and 11, an extraordinary event was reported — one that would become central to the devotion to Our Lady of Tra Kieu.

2. The Apparition of Our Lady of Tra Kieu

Historical accounts preserved by the Diocese of Da Nang record that during the intense bombardment of September 10 and 11, some of the attackers reported seeing “a beautiful woman” dressed in white standing on the roof of the church. They reportedly attempted to fire at her but could not hit her.

Father Bruyère and the Catholics who heard the attackers speaking about the mysterious woman looked toward the church roof but did not see her themselves. However, the diocesan historical account also records that two local Catholic women, Mrs. Chỉnh and Mrs. Nhã, were said to have seen Our Lady.

The Catholic community came to believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary had appeared to protect Tra Kieu, and the survival of the parish became the foundation of the enduring devotion to Our Lady of Tra Kieu.

Over the generations, this extraordinary event became deeply rooted in the faith of local Catholics, and devotion to Our Lady of Tra Kieu – Mary, Help of Christians – continued to grow.

135th Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady of Tra Kieu (1885–2020)

The Diocese of Da Nang continues to commemorate September 11 as the anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady at Tra Kieu.

In thanksgiving for Our Lady’s protection, the Catholics of Tra Kieu built a chapel on Buu Chau Hill in 1898 and dedicated it to Our Lady, Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum). The hilltop Marian shrine has since become one of the most recognizable landmarks of Tra Kieu and an important place of prayer for pilgrims.

3. 141st Anniversary of Our Lady of Tra Kieu – September 2026

In September 2026, the faithful will commemorate the 141st anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady at Tra Kieu (1885–2026). According to the official program announced by the Diocese of Da Nang, the celebration will include a three-day Triduum in honor of Our Lady of Tra Kieu, followed by the Anniversary Mass on September 11.

⛪ Celebration Program:

Triduum in Honor of Our Lady of Tra Kieu

Dates: September 8, 9 & 10, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: In front of Tra Kieu Parish Church

Mass Commemorating the 141st Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady of Tra Kieu

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Venue: Outdoor altar in the forecourt of Tra Kieu Parish Church

The celebration will bring the faithful together in prayer and thanksgiving, commemorating the events of 1885 and seeking the continued intercession of Our Lady of Tra Kieu.

4. Tra Kieu: A Catholic Community with Centuries of History

The Catholic history of Tra Kieu began long before the events of 1885. According to the Diocese of Da Nang, Father Raphaen, a Portuguese Augustinian missionary, preached the Gospel in Tra Kieu between 1596 and 1602. In 1628, a group of Catholic migrants from northern Vietnam settled in the area and built the first church there. By 1722, historical records noted approximately 300 Catholics in Tra Kieu.

In 1958, Tra Kieu was chosen as a Marian pilgrimage center of the Diocese of Qui Nhon. After the Diocese of Da Nang was established in 1963, Tra Kieu became part of the new diocese and continued to develop as an important Marian pilgrimage center.

Today, the Our Lady of Tra Kieu Marian Shrine remains a living place of worship, where Catholics come throughout the year for Mass, prayer and Marian devotion.

5. Visit Our Lady of Tra Kieu on a Catholic Pilgrimage in Vietnam

For international Catholic travelers, Tra Kieu offers a meaningful opportunity to experience one of Central Vietnam’s historic Marian pilgrimage sites.

A pilgrimage to Tra Kieu can be combined with visits to Our Lady of La Vang and other important Catholic churches and monasteries in Hue and Da Nang, together with the cultural heritage of Hoi An and other highlights of Central Vietnam.

Visiting during the September anniversary offers a special opportunity to experience the living faith and Marian devotion of the local Catholic community. At other times of the year, Tra Kieu remains a peaceful place for prayer and a meaningful destination for those wishing to discover the Catholic heritage of Central Vietnam.

Vietnam Catholic Tours specializes in private, tailor-made Catholic pilgrimages in Vietnam for individuals, families, parish groups and Catholic organizations. Accompanied by knowledgeable local Catholic guides who speak English, pilgrims can gain a deeper understanding of the history, faith and traditions connected with the sacred sites they visit. We can customize your journey to include Tra Kieu and other important Catholic pilgrimage destinations throughout Vietnam.

Discover Tra Kieu not only as a historic Marian shrine, but as a place where faith and devotion to Our Lady have continued for generations.

📌 Official program source: Diocese of Da Nang

Vietnam Catholic Tours

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