From May 13 to 14, the National Congress of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Association took place solemnly at the La Vang National Marian Center, organized by the Redemptorists. The event drew nearly 10,000 members nationwide, accompanied by 35 Redemptorist priests serving as spiritual directors.
This year’s congress, themed “With Mary, Proclaim the Good News,” was held during the Redemptorists’ Jubilee Year, which celebrates 100 years of their presence in Vietnam.
On the opening day, Fr. Joseph Nguyễn Văn Thật, CSsR, presented a reflection titled “Mary, Witness of Hope,” followed by a Marian devotion hour led by Fr. Paul Ngô Văn Phi, CSsR. The opening Mass was presided over by Fr. Dominic Nguyễn Đức Thông, CSsR, Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists in Vietnam.
That evening, Marian music and prayer performances took place at the outdoor shrine of Our Lady of La Vang. The program featured vibrant and heartfelt performances from delegations representing the North, Central, South, and Central Highlands regions, expressing love for Mary through music and the arts.
On the second day, Fr. Joseph Đỗ Đình Tư, CSsR, Vice Provincial, shared a presentation entitled “With Mary, Proclaim the Good News,” followed by another Marian devotion hour led by Fr. Augustine Lê Quý Phi, CSsR. The closing Mass at 9:30 a.m. was presided over by Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh, who in his homily emphasized: “Coming to Mary at the La Vang holy site is to entrust our lives—with all its joys and sorrows—into her care, and to receive her motherly love.”
The congress concluded in an atmosphere of joy and favourable weather. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Association currently numbers over 50,000 members nationwide. This congress was a meaningful opportunity to strengthen communion, renew Marian devotion, and rekindle the call to live as witnesses of the Gospel in daily life.
Fr. Anthony Nam Nguyen, CSsR.
