The bell tower leaves a mask on history

There are churches that possess such an ancient and serene beauty that you feel a sense of peace the moment you take your first steps inside. La Vang Parish Church ( Quang Tri ) is one such place, where sacredness blends with the historical flow of the Catholic community.

According to documents provided by Father Paul Tran Van Quang, parish priest of La Vang and administrator of the La Vang Marian Pilgrimage Center, after the apparition of the Virgin Mary at La Vang in 1798, a tiled-roof church was built in 1886. The church was inaugurated in 1901, which also marked the first La Vang Congress, featuring a procession of the Virgin Mary.

The bell tower, with its ancient beauty, is a highlight within the grounds of the La Vang Marian Pilgrimage Center. PHOTO: BA CUONG

From 1924 to 1928, the church underwent a major renovation and upgrade, adding a two-tiered tiled roof and a two-tiered bell tower. These were the initial foundations of the current ancient bell tower. However, war has repeatedly left its mark. Between 1949 and 1954, the church suffered severe damage from bombing. Following this, a restoration project was initiated to rebuild the structure. In 1961, the Vatican officially elevated La Vang Church to the status of a basilica. Then, in 1972, amidst fierce fighting in Quang Tri, bombing further destroyed much of the church.

After all, only the bell tower remains standing – a testament to history and faith that has endured through time.

The "homecoming" place for believers

Today, the bell tower of the old church remains a prominent landmark within the La Vang parish complex. Behind the old church grounds, the Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang is under construction. When completed, it will be the largest cathedral in the Catholic Church of Vietnam.

The La Vang parish church in its original state. PHOTO: LA VANG PARISH

The remains of the old La Vang parish church, behind which is the La Vang Basilica under construction. PHOTO: BA CUONG

With a procession history spanning over 125 years, La Vang has become the national pilgrimage center for Our Lady of La Vang. Every year in August, thousands of parishioners, along with hundreds of priests and religious, flock to this sacred land to participate in the La Vang Congress. More than just an important religious event for the Catholic community, the La Vang Congress has become a special cultural and spiritual highlight, enriching spiritual tourism in Quang Tri province.

"Besides being a parish for the faithful to practice their faith, La Vang is also a major pilgrimage center for Catholics nationwide. In addition to the annual processions of the Virgin Mary, groups from all over the country visit daily to pray," shared Father Paul Tran Van Quang.

Despite being under construction, the basilica already exudes an air of majesty, grandeur, and is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. PHOTO: BA CUONG

[The story of the Virgin Mary's apparition at La Vang is placed next to the shrine.] PHOTO: BA CUONG

A Mass was celebrated during the La Vang Congress by many priests and religious in front of the entrance to the basilica under construction. PHOTO: BA CUONG

Parishioners gathered to pray before the shrine of Our Lady of La Vang. PHOTO: BA CUONG

In 2012, construction began on the La Vang Basilica, with a capacity of 5,000 seats, designed in a style deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

The cathedral is still under construction and is eagerly awaited by many Catholic faithful. After hundreds of years of war, destruction, and collapse, a magnificent cathedral is gradually taking shape as a symbol of faith, of rebirth, and as a place for Catholics to return to during each pilgrimage season. (to be continued)

"Basilica" is a special honorary title bestowed by the Pope upon churches based on their antiquity, historical importance, and spiritual significance within the Catholic Church.

Currently, there are four basilicas in Vietnam, including: So Kien Basilica, Phu Nhai Basilica (both located in Ninh Binh province), the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City), and La Vang Basilica (Quang Tri).

Source: https://www.vietnam.vn/