History, Cultural Awareness and Our Lady of La Vang

Its Sunday and another day of cultural awareness ahead of us. We  visited the 5 mountain region and hiked to the top and explored the historic caves. The peak provided an astonishing view of the city of Da Nang. We continued to travel north adjacent to the Da Nang Bay, the solemn site of where many American Battleships arrived at the peak of the Vietnam (American) war. Seeing the gorgeous landscape, it is hard to fathom that not more than half a decade ago, we were engaged in a National crisis. I think about all those who sacrificed their lives to make this a better land and a warmth bubbled up inside.

We continued north to Our Lady of La Vang! It is said that there are 5 holy shrines in the world and this is one of them. Years ago when the Catholic Religion was persecuted in Vietnam, refugees flocked to an area considered safe from harm. It

is during this period that multiple Catholics have said to have seen The Virgin Mary. It has become a pilgrimage location for those Catholics seeking peace, healing and answers to the prayers of the needy. Luck would have it, a service was just beginning and I had a chance to pray at one of the spots where Mary was witnessed. Hard to imagine a more peaceful and internally satisfying experience than praying at La Vang!