The Vietnamese Province organized the Eucharistic Congress at La Vang, the National Marian Center in central Vietnam, from August 28-29, 2024. The participants included approximately 50 SSS priests, along with several diocesan priests, 45 SSS Brothers, the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, the members of Servitium Christi, and over 3,000 Associates, representing more than 8,000 Associates from 70 Associates groups in 20 dioceses across the country.
The congress was held based on the decision of the 2018 Provincial Chapter, which stated that each term of provincial administration would hold a Eucharistic Congress to honor the Eucharist and provide an opportunity for members of the Eymardian family to meet and strengthen their bonds of solidarity. The reason for the organizing committee chose La Vang is that it is a beloved pilgrimage site for all Vietnamese, a place where people long to visit and venerate Our Lady. La Vang is the place where the Blessed Mother appeared in 1798 to save and protect persecuted Christians during the early period of the Church in Vietnam. The Eucharistic Congress was held here aims to “have Mary lead us to Jesus in the Eucharist, her Son.”
On the first morning, buses from all over began arriving at La Vang as early as 2:00 a.m. The sounds of conversation, laughter, and greetings transformed the previously quiet Pilgrimage Center into a lively and joyful place. Everyone assembled in the hall where they were welcomed and introduced the theme of the Second Eucharistic Congress “The Eucharist - The Sacrament of Communion” by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Joseph Pham Đinh Ai, SSS. Then the Holy Mass was celebrated by the Provincial Superior and SSS priests. Following the Mass, there was an agape meal shared in a warm, brotherly atmosphere.
In the afternoon of the first day, everyone reconvened in the hall to listen to a presentation by Fr. Paul Mary Nguyen Thanh Quang, SSS, on the theme "The Eucharist in the Heart of Christians Today." Fr. Paul Mary inspired everyone to see how close and dear the Eucharist is, how it enters our lives, transforms us, and helps us grow and mature over the years. The Eucharist shapes who we are, so that each day we become more like Christ through the nourishment of the Eucharist. It becomes our breath, the heartbeat that sanctifies us, allowing us to love our brothers and sisters with the very love of Jesus in the Eucharist.
After Fr. Paul Mary's presentation, there was a time for sharing personal reflections and spiritual experiences that each person had received through the Eucharistic Christ. These personal experiences stirred and inspired a deepened the love for the Eucharist in all who listened.
After the discussions, everyone gathered before the statue of Our Lady for the traditional flower offering ceremony. In this custom, when approaching Mary, people present fresh flowers while also offering the "flowers of their hearts." This moment allowed everyone to express their filial love for the compassionate Mother.
Following the evening meal, everyone assembled for the Eucharistic procession, which deeply moved many participants. In the stillness of the night, torches blazed brightly around the Eucharist, making the Blessed Sacrament glow with radiance and majesty among His children. Each person carried a glowing candle, walking, singing psalms, praying, and praising the love of God present in the mysterious Sacrament of the Eucharist.
The procession concluded with solemn adoration before the Marian shrine, after which the group proceeded to the Eucharistic Chapel, where silent adoration continued until morning. The chapel was filled to capacity throughout the night.
On the second morning, Bishop Vincent Nguyen Van Ban, Bishop of the Diocese of Hai Phong, gave a presentation on the topic “The Eucharist, the Sacrament of Synodality.” With a simple and easy-to-understand style, the bishop helped everyone recognize God’s love poured out upon humanity throughout history, from the Old Testament to the New Testament and continuing to this day. That love is concretized in the Eucharist, the presence of God among His people every day until the end of time. After the presentation, there was a Q&A session, where Bishop Vincent listened attentively to participants' questions and provided explanations to help everyone better understand God’s love as manifested in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Bishop Vincent then presided the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress, with the sending forth rite taking place at the end of the Mass. From here, each participant was sent back to their own environment to continue living and serving in their responsibilities with a new attitude and spirit, becoming witnesses and apostles of the Eucharist.
The Eucharistic Congress provided an opportunity for everyone to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist, increase their love for this sacrament, and foster unity with their brothers and sisters in the Eymardian family. This second Eucharistic Congress left a profound impression on all those who participated.
Father Peter Nguyen Tien, SSS