These urging words to “rejoice” and “shout with gladness” addressed to the daughter of Zion and the daughter of Jerusalem by the prophet Zechariah, after his people were able to return from exile and rebuild Jerusalem, resonate with Cardinal Luis Tagle’s words at the recent beatification ceremony of Blessed Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp in the Catholic Church. Fr Diệp, a Catholic priest, was killed in the chaotic and turbulent aftermath of the Second World War in 1946. In the opening of his homily, Cardinal Tagle remarked that Fr Diệp, now elevated to the rank of Blessed, is not only a blessing for Vietnam but also a blessing for the Church and for all humanity.
Cardinal Tagle, serving as the Holy Father’s special envoy, arrived in Vietnam on 30 June and celebrated the Mass of Beatification on Wednesday, 2 July, at Tắc Sậy Shrine, with more than seventy thousand faithful present. This marked the first time in the five-hundred-year history of the Catholic Church in Vietnam that a beatification ceremony had been celebrated on Vietnamese soil rather than in the Vatican.
Even before his beatification, Fr Diệp was already widely known among Vietnamese people, both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. For many years, countless pilgrims from all walks of life, from every part of the country as well as from overseas, and belonging to different religions, beliefs, and faith traditions, have travelled to the tomb of Fr Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp at Tắc Sậy in the Diocese of Cần Thơ.
Many visitors, both Catholics and non-Catholics, have received abundant blessings through Fr Diệp’s intercession. The clearest testimony to his powerful intercessory prayers is the large number of thanksgiving plaques offered in his honour at the Tắc Sậy Pilgrimage Centre. Through his intercession, many people have drawn closer to God, whom Fr Diệp faithfully worshipped and devotedly served throughout his life. His image is often displayed on the dashboards of cars, on family altars in homes, and even in many shops and marketplaces.
What is so special about this man?
Fr Diệp was born on 1 January 1897 in An Giang Province. He was ordained a priest in 1924 after completing his seminary formation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He served as an assistant priest for four years before being appointed as a formator at a minor seminary. In March 1930, he was appointed parish priest of Tắc Sậy Parish in Cà Mau Province in the Mekong Delta. He devoted his entire life to caring for his flock and was deeply committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to everyone.
The Cause of Canonisation published by the Diocese of Cần Thơ contains many powerful testimonies of how Fr Diệp consistently reached out to care for the poor, the orphaned, and the needy during the darkest years of war and turmoil. His heart belonged to all people, whether Catholic or non-Catholic. Amid the military conflicts, many people urged him to leave and seek safety elsewhere. However, he firmly rejected the idea, saying that as a shepherd entrusted with the care of his flock, he must remain with them during the most difficult and challenging moments of their lives.
In March 1946, during the chaotic aftermath of the Second World War, Fr Diệp was captured by two Japanese defectors and beheaded with their swords in a rice field on his native soil. Fr Diệp has long been honoured as a martyr who remained steadfast in his faith and unwavering in his commitment to his people. In his homily, Cardinal Tagle praised the courageous witness of the new Blessed, who placed his complete trust in Jesus, saying, “A true martyr helps a confused world to discover the truth of Jesus. The world needs true martyrs and bearers of truth. Let us not add to the increasing number of messengers of falsehood, hatred, division and violence.”
He urged those participating in this historic celebration, as well as the faithful throughout the world, to follow the example of Blessed Fr Diệp by “responding to Jesus’ call, choosing Jesus, clinging to the words of Jesus, and proclaiming the name of Jesus in our daily lives.”
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The special Mass of Thanksgiving for Tricia Norman, who has been our Pastoral Associate for many years will take place next Sunday, 12 July 2026 at 10.30 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Deepdene.
Following the Mass, a special morning tea will be held, providing an opportunity for parishioners to gather, share memories, express their appreciation, and offer Tricia their best wishes as she embarks on this new chapter in her life’s journey.
The parish hospitality team has planned to provide for this special morning tea. However, if you would like to lend a helping hand on the day or bring some sweet food, please sign up here.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
david rush says:
Rejoice for the commitment of the catholics in Vietnam and their commitment to the wider church particularly in Australia I had the good fortune to be in Vietnam over Easter. Vibrant celebrations with enthusiastic congregations.