La Vang Sanctuary hosts massive pilgrimage in Vietnam

Between August 13 and 15, 2026, the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Vang in the Archdiocese of Hue, Vietnam, hosted a massive religious gathering for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Estimates of the number of attendees vary, with local Church sources reporting over 200,000 pilgrims, while Fides estimates approximately 160,000. This turnout significantly exceeds typical attendance of 70,000 to 90,000. The event included the 32nd National Marian Pilgrimage Congress, themed ‘Mary, Messenger of the Good News.’ This particular gathering was highly anticipated as previous congresses scheduled for 2020 and 2023 were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pilgrims traveled from across Vietnam and from the diaspora, enduring high temperatures reaching 40°C and sleeping in makeshift tents, mats, or hammocks. For many Vietnamese believers, the pilgrimage represents a spiritual homecoming to find relief from life's adversities.