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Explore Hotels →I. Who Was Father Truong Buu Diep?
Born 1 January 1897 in Cồn Phước Parish, An Giang. Baptised 2 February 1897. His father Michael Truong Van Dang and mother Lucia Le Thi Thanh. In 1904, his mother died; the family moved to Battambang, Cambodia. In 1909, he entered Cù Lao Giềng Minor Seminary, then Major Seminary of Phnom Penh. Ordained in 1924. Served as assistant priest in Cambodia and taught at the seminary before becoming pastor of Tắc Sậy in 1930.
Tắc Sậy Pilgrimage Center — spiritual heart of the Mekong Delta
II. A Model Shepherd
“I live among my sheep, and if I must die, I will die among them. I am not going anywhere.”
— Father Diep, refusing to flee in 1946
In March 1930, Father Diep was appointed pastor of Tắc Sậy. During his years as parish priest, he established and supported many neighbouring parishes. His compassion for the poor was legendary — he opened his granary to anyone hungry, Catholic or not. In 1946, despite superiors and French authorities urging him to flee, he refused. On 12 March 1946, he was arrested by Japanese deserters and martyred.
“Father Diep was very gentle, but when he preached, his voice could be powerful. He had great compassion for the poor. He remembered that when poor and hungry people came — whether Catholic or not — Father would call them in and open his granary.”
— James Huynh Van Lap, former altar boyIII. Life & Pastoral Ministry
During his sixteen years at Tắc Sậy, Father Diep demonstrated extraordinary commitment. He defended poor farmers against wealthy landlords, earning the title “father of the poor.” He established numerous neighbouring parishes and was known for his simple lifestyle and deep compassion. A comprehensive historical investigation (2011–2017) confirmed that he was killed by Japanese deserters, in odium fidei.
Tắc Sậy Church — exterior and sanctuary
IV. Witness of Charity
The first memorial Mass was organised in 1979 with only about thirty people. But word spread of favours received through Father Diep’s intercession. Today, tens of thousands come each year. In 1997, the Bishop of Cần Thơ formally established the Francis Xavier Mission Center at Tắc Sậy.
“The number of pilgrims on his death anniversary grew larger and larger, reaching tens of thousands — and not only on the anniversary day itself, but throughout the year.”
— Historical records, Can Tho Diocese
Architectural beauty and sacred atmosphere of Tắc Sậy
V. The Path to Beatification
The formal cause began with a meticulous investigation (2011–2017). On 25 November 2024, Pope Francis declared that Father Diep was killed “out of hatred for the faith”, allowing beatification without a miracle. On 3 December 2025, the Holy See approved the ceremony for 2 July 2026, presided by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle as Special Envoy of Pope Leo XIV.
VI. Significance
For the Vietnamese Church
First beatification ever held in Vietnam — a landmark connecting today’s faith with a 20th‑century martyr.
For the Catholic Community
Father Diep offers a contemporary model of holiness: pastoral courage, self‑sacrifice, and compassion.
For the Universal Church
Highlights the global nature of the Catholic faith and the diversity of its witnesses.
VII. Tắc Sậy Pilgrimage Center
The distinctive three‑tier sanctuary and marble tomb of Father Diep
Built in 1925 as a small chapel, today Tắc Sậy is one of Vietnam’s largest Catholic pilgrimage sites. The complex includes a three‑tier sanctuary, the solemn marble tomb of Father Diep, prayer gardens, and a five‑storey building that can accommodate around 600 pilgrims. The tomb’s architecture reflects East Asian style, with a curved roof reminiscent of Vietnamese pagodas.
VIII. The Beatification Ceremony
Date: 2 July 2026, 8:00 AM
Location: Tắc Sậy Pilgrimage Center, Cà Mau.
Presiding: Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Special Envoy of Pope Leo XIV.
Expected: 70,000 – 100,000 pilgrims.
Order: Procession, announcement of the Apostolic Letter, Solemn Mass (approx. 2 hours), thank‑you address by the Bishop of Cần Thơ. Preparatory Masses on 1 July.
IX. Preparations & Logistics
A 5‑hectare festival ground has been prepared opposite the church, with seating for 10,000–12,000 concelebrants and guests. Large screens and sound systems will serve the crowds. Traffic and security coordinated with Cà Mau Provincial Police. No tickets or priority documents — all are welcome. Field hospitals and first‑aid stations will be set up.
X. Pilgrimage to Tắc Sậy
Getting there: By road via National Highway 1 from Hồ Chí Minh City (6–8 hours) or fly to Cà Mau City and take a bus/taxi.
Accommodation: 600 beds at the centre; additional hotels in Cà Mau City should be booked well in advance.
What to bring: Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, snacks, water, personal medication. Prepare spiritually by reading about Father Diep’s life.
XI. Impact on Vietnam
For the Catholic Church, this is the first home‑grown beatification, affirming the holiness of a modern Vietnamese priest. It strengthens ties between the local Church and the Vatican. For tourism, it will significantly boost pilgrimage tourism in the Mekong Delta. Father Diep’s legacy of love for the poor serves as a powerful inspiration for social cohesion.
XII. Recommended Places
Tắc Sậy Church Complex
The main sanctuary, tomb, prayer gardens, and accommodation facilities.
Cà Mau City
Hotels, restaurants, markets — an ideal base.
Cà Mau Cape
The southernmost point of Vietnam’s mainland.
U Minh Hạ Forest
The largest mangrove forest in Vietnam, with boat trips.
Floating Markets
Can be combined with a longer Mekong Delta itinerary.
Nearby Pilgrimage Sites
Numerous parishes in the Diocese of Cần Thơ.
Timeline
1897Born in Cồn Phước, An Giang.
1904Mother dies; family moves to Battambang, Cambodia.
1909Entered Cù Lao Giềng Minor Seminary.
1924Ordained priest in Phnom Penh.
1924–1927Assistant priest at Hố Trư, Kandal, Cambodia.
1928–1929Teacher at Cù Lao Giềng Minor Seminary.
1930Appointed pastor of Tắc Sậy.
1946Martyred by Japanese deserters.
1969Remains moved to Tắc Sậy Church.
1979First memorial Mass organised, ~30 attendees.
1989Tomb renovated and inaugurated.
1997Pilgrimage Center formally established.
2011–2017Historical investigation conducted.
2024Pope Francis recognises martyrdom.
2025Holy See approves beatification.
2026Preparatory Masses and Beatification (1–2 Jul).
FAQs
Who is Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep?
A Catholic priest born in 1897, ordained in 1924, martyred in 1946 at Tắc Sậy.
What does beatification mean?
Third stage toward sainthood, allowing limited public veneration. For martyrs, recognition suffices without a miracle.
Why is he being beatified?
Pope Francis recognised his martyrdom in odium fidei in 2024.
Where will the ceremony take place?
Tắc Sậy Pilgrimage Center, Cà Mau, on 2 July 2026 at 8:00 AM.
Can non‑Catholics attend?
Yes. All are welcome.
How do I get there?
By road via National Highway 1 or fly to Cà Mau City.
Do I need a ticket?
No. No priority documents or tickets.
What should I prepare?
Light clothing, walking shoes, water, snacks, and a spirit of prayer.
