minor basilica of the presentation of the blessed virgin mary

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Minor Basilica dedicated to the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

With deep reverence I kiss as well the threshold of the house of God – the parish church of Wadowice, and the baptismal font in which I was joined to Christ and accepted into the community of His Church. In this church I made my first confession and Holy Communion. Here I was an altar boy. Here I gave thanks to God for the gift of the priesthood, and, as Archbishop of Cracow, celebrated the silver jubilee of my ministry. How much good, how much grace I carried from this church and this parish community, only He knows Who is the Bestower of every grace. To him, the Triune God, I give praise today at the threshold of the church. John Paul II Wadowice, 16 June 1999

In this church in May 1929, Karol Wojtyła made his first Holy Communion. in 1938 he received the sacrament of Confirmation at the hands of the Metropolitan of Cracow, Archbishop Adam Sapieha. And on 10 November 1946, Father Karol Wojtyła celebrated his first mass here.

In 1992, as the result of a papal bull, the church was elevated to the rank of Minor Basilica. Inside is an altar with an image of Our Lady. Upon the pillars there are six altars, including those of St. Anthony, St. Francis, St. Joseph and Divine Mercy. The aisles terminate in four chapels, as follows:

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, whose main feature is an altar with a miraculous image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, crowned by Pope John Paul II in the Wadowice market square on 16 June 1999.

The Chapel of the Holy Family, with its baptismal font and papal blessing for all those renewing their baptismal promises. Here, on 20 June 1920, Karol Wojtyła was baptised.

The Chapel of the Crucifixion, where the relics of Saints Padre Pio, Father Maximilian Kolbe, and Simon of Lipnica are exhibited on the altar.

The Chapel of the Saint John Paul II. On the altar stone is a reliquary containing a drop of blood of the Saint Pope John Paul II. On the vault is an illustration of the last of his 14 papal encyclicals, depicting the miraculous multiplication of the loaves.

The vaults of the church are decorated with paintings referring to papal teachings, including illustrations of encyclicals, pastoral letters and exhortations. In the presbytery can be found eight portraits of Polish saints canonised by Pope John Paul II.

Date of introduction: February 22, 2016

Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Wadowice

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Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple recalls – according to the apocryphal gospels, the day on which Mary, while still a child, was brought to the temple in Jerusalem to be offered to God. The Church wants to emphasize not so much the historical event in itself, of which there is no trace in the Gospels, but the total gift that Mary made of herself, by listening: “ Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it” (Lk. 11:28). This experience prepared the young girl from Nazareth to become the “temple of the Son of God”.

The celebration of this feast dates back to the 6 th century in the East with the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New built by the Emperor Justinian I near the ruins of the temple in Jerusalem. There is evidence that various monasteries in Italy celebrated the feast in the 9 th century. It was not until the 15 th century that it was included in the Roman Missal.

This is also the on which the Church celebrates the World Day of Cloistered Life, established by Pope Pius XII in 1953.

While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother”. (Mt. 12:46-50)

Bonds of love, not of blood

For the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the liturgy proposes the passage from Matthew that speaks about how we are “related” to Jesus. It is a relationship not formed by blood, but by imitation: “ Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother”. To become a member of “His family”, one must do so not by blood or belonging to a particular religion. Rather, it is a free and personal choice that translates into a commitment to do the will of the Father.

Mary, the first disciple

Confirming what has just been said, Jesus Himself said this in responding thus to a woman who was praising His Mother: “ ‘ Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.’ He replied, ‘Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.’ ” Mary is the woman who knows how to listen, who knows how to contemplate, who knows how to refer everything to her Son – “ Do whatever He tells you” (Jn. 2:5). Mary is the One who never abandoned her Son Jesus, not even along the way of the Cross. She “stood” under the Cross. She is a disciple who never abandons the Lord Jesus, who always “stands behind” Him.

Mary, model for Christians

All of this can help us imitate the Virgin Mary. Every Christian is called to look at Mary so as to learn from her, to entrust themselves to her intercession and to guard the “purity of the faith” against any idols that surround us.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

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The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated every year on November 21, commemorates (in the words of the Liturgy of the Hours, the daily prayer of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church) "that dedication of herself which Mary made to God from her very childhood under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who filled her with grace at her Immaculate Conception ." Also known as the Dedication of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the feast originated in the East, where it is called the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos Into the Temple.

Quick Facts

• Date: November 21.
• Type of Feast: Memorial.
• Readings: Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 19:11-28 ( full text here )
• Prayers: The Hail Mary
• Other Names for the Feast: The Dedication of the Blessed Virgin Mary; The Presentation of Mary; The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos Into the Temple

History of the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

While the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was not generally celebrated in the West until the 11th century, it appears in most of the earliest calendars of the Eastern Churches. Derived from accounts in apocryphal literature, especially the Protoevangelium of James , the feast seems first to have appeared in Syria, where the Protoevangelium and other apocryphal books, such as the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew , originated. The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary first rose to prominence, however, in Jerusalem, where it was associated with the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New.

That basilica was built near the ruins of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the Protoevangelium of James and other apocryphal works told the story of Mary's presentation at the Temple at the age of three. In gratitude for being granted a child after years of infertility, Mary's parents, Saints Joachim and Anna , had vowed to dedicate Mary to the service of God at the Temple. When they presented her at the Temple at the age of three, she stayed willingly, showing her dedication to God even at that young age.

The Presentation and the Protoevangelium of James

The Protoevangelium of James, while an extrabiblical document, is the source of many details of Mary's life that became universally accepted by the Church, including the names of her parents, the story of her birth , her age at her betrothal to Saint Joseph, and Saint Joseph's advanced age and his status as a widower with children by his first wife. It also played a large role among Christians, both Eastern and Western, in recognizing Mary as the new Temple, the true Holy of Holies. When Mary left the Temple at the age of 12 after her betrothal to Joseph, she remained pure and chaste, and at the Annunciation , God came to dwell in her.

The Spread of the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary first made its way to the West through monasteries in Southern Italy in the ninth century; by the 11th century, it had spread to other locales but was by no means universally celebrated. Under the influence of a French nobleman, Philippe de Mazières, Pope Gregory XI began celebrating the feast during the Avignon papacy.

Pope Sixtus IV first placed the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the universal calendar in 1472, but in the Tridentine reform of the calendar in 1568, Pope Pius V removed the feast. It was restored 17 years later by Pope Sixtus V and remains in the Roman calendar today as a memorial.

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Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Explore near Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit

Basilica of the presentation of the blessed virgin mary reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

Hordes of tourists in what used to be peaceful Wadowice

Had it not been for Wadowice being John Paul II's birthplace, hardly any tourists would be visiting the place. Wadowice is nice but only for a few-hour visit.

Holy ground with holy presence

Walked into the basilica and instantly felt the holy presence. It was a beautiful experience... St JPII pray for us.

Elaborate basilica next to Pope John Paul 11's family home

Many visitors clearly found their visit inspiring, some appeared to be overwhelmed and in ecstasy/trances. The basilica contains the chapel where the late Pope was baptised. An essential visit for act...

Church of JP2

The now Basilica is right beside the former home of St. John Paul Ii and where he was baptized. The church houses memorabilia of the pope. It is good to visit along with his home because he spent the ...

Great church

It is a really pretty church. It is also an important place in St John Paul II's life so has also historic significance. It is located in the heart of the town, so it is easy accessible when you visit...

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• Saint of the Day

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

• November 21
• Franciscan Media

Image:   Presentation of Mary in the Temple  | Alfonso Boschi | photo by sailko

Saint of the day for november 21.

The Story of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church.

As with Mary’s birth, we read of Mary’s presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the  Protoevangelium of James  tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was 3 years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless.

Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.

It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God’s saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They—we—too are temples of God and sanctified in order that we might enjoy and share in God’s saving work.

Click here for more on Mary!

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Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feast day: Nov 21

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The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“you shall know the lord of hosts sent me to you”.

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+ An early non-biblical text called the Protoevangelium of James relates that when the Blessed Virgin was three years old, her parents, Anne and Joachim, took her to the Temple in Jerusalem to present her to the Lord. This tradition is based on the ancient Jewish custom of dedicating first-born sons to God, although there is no similar obligation regarding girls.

+ There is no indication in the Mass or the Liturgy of the Hours for today that this is the event celebrated in this memorial. In fact, this celebration dates back to the eighth century and recalls the dedication of a basilica built in Mary’s honor in Jerusalem in 543.

+ Although this is a relatively new celebration in the Roman Rite (it was added to the calendar in 1585), this memorial invites us to recall that God exalted Mary above all women on earth and we ask, through Mary’s intercession, “that we, too, may merit to receive the fullness of [God’s] grace” (from the Collect).

For prayer and reflection

“We owe so much to this Mother! She is present at every moment in the history of salvation, and in her we see a firm witness to hope. She, the mother of hope, sustains us in times of darkness, difficulty, discouragement, of seeming defeat or true human defeat. May Mary, our hope, help us to make of our lives a pleasing offering to the Heavenly Father, and a joyful gift for our brothers and sisters, in an attitude that always looks forward to tomorrow.”— Pope Francis

Spiritual bonus

On this day we also remember Blessed Clelia Merloni. In 1894 she established the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus , and the remainder of her life was spent dealing with turmoil within and around the community, although she herself always remained faithful to her vocation and devotion to the Heart of Christ. Blessed Clelia died on November 21, 1930, in Rome, and was beatified in 2018.

Religious Life

Several religious communities are named in honor of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, including:

The Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: www.presentation-op-usa.org

The Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen: www.presentationsisters.org

The Presentation Sisters of Watervliet: www.presentationsisterswatervlietny.com

The Sisters of Mary of the Presentation: www.sistersofmaryofthepresentation.org

The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (New Windsor, NY): www.sistersofthepresentation.org

The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Dubuque, IA): www.dubuquepresentations.org

The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary: www.presentationofmary-usa.org

The Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (San Antonio, TX): www.pbvmunion.org

The Presentation Brothers: www.PresentationBrothers.org

As we venerate the glorious memory of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession, that we, too, may merit to receive from the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal )

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.

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Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam

Home » Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam

Introduction

Minor Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam is a Roman Catholic sanctuary, commemorating a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary that was seen there in 1798. An important site of pilgrimage for Catholics in Vietnam, as well as for the Catholic Overseas Vietnamese community. The Apparition Shrine, which was the area where Our Lady appeared, had a renovation in 2008. Areas surrounding the shrine including the Main Sanctuary Gate, were renovated.

Located 40 kilometers from the city of Hue, the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang marks a site where an apparition of Mary was reportedly seen in 1798.

According to legend, Christians had sought refuge in the rainforests of the Quang Tri Province, during which time many became very ill. While hiding in the jungle, the community gathered every night at the foot of a tree to pray. One night in 1798, in the branches of the tree, a lady appeared, wearing the traditional Vietnamese dress and holding a child in her arms, with two angels beside her.

The Catholics interpreted the vision as the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus Christ. They said that Our Lady comforted them and told them to boil leaves from the trees for medicine to cure their ills.

In 1802 the Christians returned to their villages, passing on the story of the apparition in La Vang and its message. As the story of the apparition spread, many more visitors and Christians came to pray at this site. In 1820, a chapel was built. From 1830-1885 another wave of persecutions decimated the Christian population, during the height of which the chapel of Our Lady of La Vang was destroyed.

In 1886, construction on a new chapel began and it was renovated in 1924 and 1959. In 1961, the Catholic bishops of Vietnam selected the Church of La Vang as the National Sacred Marian Centre. Today’s church was rebuilt from 1995 to 2004 with a bell tower, a praying square and pilgrimage house.

Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam – Some sources state that the term La Vang was a derivative of the Vietnamese word meaning crying out. Scholars believe it comes from the ancient practice of naming a location for a genus of a tree or plant native to the area, la meaning ‘leaf’ and vang meaning ‘herbal seeds’.

History of Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam

Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam – La Vang or Lavang is a location in Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam. It is the site of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang (Đức Mẹ La Vang), a Roman Catholic sanctuary, commemorating a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary that was seen there in 1798. The site has been rebuilt on several occasions and is an important site of pilgrimage for Catholics in Vietnam, as well as for the Catholic Overseas Vietnamese community. Many Vietnamese Catholic parishes throughout the world are named for Our Lady of La Vang.

The Apparition Shrine, which was the area where Our Lady appeared, had a recent renovation in 2008. Areas surrounding the shrine including the Main Sanctuary Gate, were renovated. The La Vang Boarding House was also recently constructed to accommodate the pilgrims.

The tradition of Our Lady of La Vang dates back to the time when Catholics were executed in Vietnam. Many people sought refuge in the rain forest of La Vang, and many became very ill. They were praying when a lady appeared, wearing the traditional Vietnamese áo dài dress and holding a child in her arms, with two angels beside her.

The people present interpreted the vision as the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus Christ. They said that Our Lady comforted them and told them to boil leaves from the trees for medicine to cure the illness. In 1961, the Catholic bishops of Vietnam selected the Church of La Vang as the National Sacred Marian Centre.

In 1962, Pope John XXIII declared the Church the Basilica of La Vang. Though there is no official Vatican recognition of this event as a Marian apparition, on June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II publicly recognized the importance of Our Lady of La Vang and expressed desire to rebuild the La Vang Basilica in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the first vision. But Pope John Paul II affirmed that there has been no documentation in the Vatican of Our Lady’s Apparitions in La Vang.

Architecture of Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam

Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam is considered Vietnam’s national shrine. On the feast day of the Assumption, August 15, it is possible to attend solemn masses that draw up to 5 million faithful. Still, no tourist guide, religious or secular, speaks of this enthralling phenomenon in a country that is still for all intents and purposes communist, even if it is taking small steps towards religious freedom.

The Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam complex stands on a plain in central Vietnam, in an area not yet reached by the rapid economic development that is transforming the country.

Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam was built in memory of the apparition of the Virgin and Child, which took place over two centuries ago, in 1798 at the “Cây Lá Vằng” forest (The trees of La Vang), in the province of Quảng Trị (today the territory of the archdiocese of Hue). A statue of the Virgin and Child, dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothes, stands on a stone and concrete sculpture in the form of a copse of trees.

At the end of the 18th century, an edict by Emperor Cảnh Thịnh banned Catholicism from Vietnam, initiating a period of fierce persecution. The Virgin Mary appeared to a group of Vietnamese Catholics who had fled to the forest. Our Lady assured them of comfort and the end of the persecution, indicating a herb (“La Vang”) to treat diseases. Even today, the nuns who together with the parish priest are in charge of the pastoral care of the complex, have areas where they grow this miraculous grass.

The cult for Our Lady of La Vang is widespread not only among Catholics, but also among the faithful of other religions including Buddhists and Protestants, who pray to the Virgin Mary for special graces and healings.

The history of La Vang is intertwined with that of the country and the Church of Vietnam. The church built on the site of the apparition of the Virgin was destroyed during periods of persecution (1830-1885). At the end of the 19th century a new chapel arose, to which Pope John XXIII conferred the title of minor basilica (1961).

With the war and reunification of Vietnam under the communist regime, the shrine was left to rack and ruin, while the authorities attempted to curb devotion and any attempt at restoration. In 1998, Pope John Paul II expressed the desire that on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin, the sanctuary could be rebuilt.

To date, behind the remains of the old sanctuary, built in the 1800s, a new sanctuary is being built which will be inaugurated in six years. Many dioceses around the world, together with Vietnamese Catholics abroad, are sending donations for the gigantic sacred building that will be on par with the Marian shrines of Lourdes, Fatima, Czestokowa, or Velankanni.

Meanwhile, the complex has been enriched with chapels, hostels, a Way of the Cross and a giant panel dedicated to the 117 Vietnamese martyrs. Each station of the Way of the Cross is accompanied by images and information about some of the martyrs. For example, the station of Jesus who meets Veronica is paired by the presentation of the martyr Thanh Phanxico Nguyen Van Trung, a 22-year-old soldier killed for his faith. The quote taken from him reads: “I am ready to fight and die for my homeland, but do not ask me to renounce my Christian faith”.

Apparition - Our Lady of La Vang

Our Lady of La Vang (Vietnamese: Đức Mẹ La Vang) refers to a reported Marian apparition at a time when Catholics were persecuted and killed in Vietnam. The Shrine of our Lady of La Vang (Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang) is situated in what is today Hai Phu commune in Hải Lăng District of Quảng Trị Province in Central Vietnam.

Fearing the spread of Catholicism, the Cảnh Thịnh Emperor restricted the practice of Catholicism in the country in 1798. Soon thereafter, the emperor issued an anti-Catholic edict and persecution ensued.

Many people sought refuge in the rainforest of La Vang in Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam, and many became very ill. While hiding in the jungle, the community gathered every night at the foot of a tree to pray the rosary.

One night, an apparition surprised them. In the branches of the tree a lady appeared, wearing the traditional Vietnamese áo dài dress and holding a child in her arms, with two angels beside her.

The people present interpreted the vision as the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus Christ. They said that Our Lady comforted them and told them to boil leaves from the trees for medicine to cure the illness. Legend states that the term “La Vang” was a derivative of the Vietnamese word meaning “crying out”.

Another hypothesis is that La Vang is distorted from the toponym Lá Vằng, lá meaning leaf and vằng meaning jasminum subtriplinerve, a tree species whose leaves are used to made a tisane; according to an ancient practice, a location was sometimes named after a prominent local species of plant or animal.

History of Our Lady of La Vang

In 1802 the Catholics returned to their villages, passing on the story of the apparition in La Vang and its message. As the story of the apparition spread, many came to pray at this site and to offer incense. In 1820, a chapel was built.

From 1830 to 1885 another wave of persecutions decimated the Catholic population, during the height of which the chapel in honour of Our Lady of La Vang was destroyed. In 1886, construction on a new chapel began. Following its completion, Bishop Gaspar (Loc) consecrated the chapel in honour of Our Lady Help of Christians, in 1901.

On December 8, 1954, the statue of Our Lady of La Vang was brought from Tri Bun back to the holy shrine. The Vietnamese Bishops Conference chose the church of Our Lady of La Vang as the National Shrine in honour of the Immaculate Conception. La Vang became the National Marian Center of Vietnam on April 13, 1961. Pope John XXIII elevated the Church of Our Lady of La Vang to the rank of a minor basilica on August 22, 1961.

Though there is no official Vatican recognition of this event as a Marian apparition, on June 19, 1998, Pope John Paul II publicly recognized the importance of Our Lady of La Vang and expressed desire to rebuild the La Vang Basilica in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the first vision.

In the Philippines, the Our Lady of La Vang Church at Viet Ville, Barangay Santa Lourdes in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Our Lady of La Vang has become a patroness of Puerto Princesa and patroness of Palawan. She was known as Inang Lala (Mother Lala).

In May 2022, Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh announced the dedication and consecration of the new basilica to be during the La Vang congress in 2023, that will happen from 14-15th of August.

Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang

10 years following the establishment of the chapel, the tension between the Vietnamese imperial court and Catholics reached a new height.

From 1830 to 1885, persecution of Catholics took place across the country and a great number of priests were killed. The Catholic population was significantly reduced, and the Church of Our Lady of La Vang was destroyed.

In 1886, local Catholics rebuilt the church, which took 15 years to complete because of its isolated location.

On 22nd August 1961, Pope John XXIII made the church a basilica.

La Vang is the One of Vietnam’s largest Catholic Sanctuaries

11 years later, the basilica was wrecked during the Easter Offensive of 1972. Only part of the bell tower remained nearly intact during the war.

Though looking tarnished from age, the bell tower still retains its stately appearance.

In 1998, Pope John Paul II recognized the significance of the Marian Apparition at La Vang and expressed his desire to reconstruct the Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang.

To provide pilgrims with a spacious and convenient worship space, local church leaders built a new chapel in 2012. Featuring a vernacular architecture with traditional hipped roofs, this chapel can accommodate up to 5,000 people at any given time.

In front of the bell tower is a spacious square, flanked by sculptures featuring the passion of Jesus Christ as well as Vietnamese martyrs.

At the spot where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared, visitors will find statues featuring 3 great trees with a statue of Our Lady holding baby Jesus Christ standing in the center.

Inside the shrine, you’ll see a well with a sign that reads “Marian Well”.

Many people who come here drink from the well to pay their respect to the Virgin Mary. They also believe that this water can cure illnesses.

Today, the Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang has become one of the most significant Catholic sanctuaries in the region, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year.

This is also one of the only three Catholic sanctuaries in the country recognized by the Vietnamese government.

At the feast, visitors will find a solemn procession to commemorate the Marian Apparition at La Vang and join Catholic leaders and congregations in the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

Our Lady of La Vang is a Monumental Landmark in Vietnam

After centuries of wars and destruction, plenty of historical sites in Vietnam have been destroyed. The Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, a location of significant historic and religious meaning, was no exception. Nonetheless, local believers are still doing their best to preserve the remains of this sacred site and uphold its meaning with feast days and meaningful activities.

Not only is the story of the visitation of the Virgin Mary a crucial point of contact between faith and reality, but it’s also a monumental landmark in our country’s history. The holy shrine offers visitors a glimpse into the historic periods of a bygone era, and to Catholics a newfound appreciation for the hard-earned freedom in practising their chosen religion.

Hopefully, the holy shrine of Our Lady of La Vang will again see thousands of faithful pilgrims making their way to pay their respects once the Covid-19 pandemic is over. 

The feast day of Our Lady of La Vang takes place every 3 years in August. The most recent feast day, which was the 31st one, was celebrated on 13th, 14th, and 15th August in 2017. The first feast day was celebrated in 1901.

Church Visiting Time

• Every Days : Open 24 Hours

Contact Info

Tel : +84 233 3873 390

How to reach the Basilica

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is the nearby Airport to the Basilica.

Nha Trang Train Station in Nha Trang, Vietnam is the nearby Train Station to the Basilica.

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Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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You can find out about the history of Wadowice when you stop by Holy Father John Paul II Family Home. Discover the area's museums and churches.

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Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in Wadowice. You'll find 9 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a restaurant and a 24-hour fitness center. You'll find it 18.6 mi (30 km) from Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Other good choices around the area include Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport and AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow .

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Sights like Holy Father John Paul II Family Home and Museum Family Home of John Paul II highlight some of the local culture. Create some family memories at Miniature Park and Dinolandia. A visit to Garden of John Paul II in Inwald is worth the trip when you're visiting.

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