The first notable feature is the establishment of the Roman Pilgrimage Center, which is linked to the story of the image of our Lady of Perpetual Help. According to diocesan records, the photograph lost during the war in the 1950s, was miraculously rediscovered at the bottom of a canal after months submerged in mud. What astonished everyone was that the photo subsequently “recovered” its details remarkably well.
The Romanesque church makes a strong impression with its distinctive Romanesque architectural style, creating a fascinating contrastThe image, which had faded considerably, now became clearly visible, with only the crowns on the heads of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus remaining obscured. This event is revered by the parishioners as the first miracle depicted in the photograph. During a procession carrying the image from the Roman Catholic parish to the Cai Son parish, parishioners witnessed the image transform once again: the crown on the head of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus became clearly visible.
In addition, when the photograph was first recovered, the paper was stuck to the glass, wrinkled, yellowed and had many holes, now those holes have disappeared. This event is revered by parishioners as the second miracle depicted in the photograph. This is not only a spiritual phenomenon for Catholics but also becomes a focal point of attention for pilgrims from all over the world.
The Bishop of the Vinh Long provincial diocese declared Rome as the center of pilgrimage “In honor of our Lady of Perpetual Help”The Bishop of the Vinh Long provincial Diocese issued an edict allowing the faithful to make pilgrimages to visit the image, declaring Rome as the center of pilgrimage “In Honor of our Lady of Perpetual Help”. Every year, the Vinh Long provincial Diocese and the Roman Catholic parish organize two major celebrations: May 5th, commemorating the discovery of the image of the Virgin Mary and October 7th, commemorating the apparition of the Virgin Mary’s image.
The Romanesque church makes a strong impression with its distinctive Romanesque architectural style, creating a fascinating contrast with the lush green landscape of coconut groves and fields in the Western region. The church was designed with thick walls, semicircular arched windows and a tall bell tower. This structure is reminiscent of ancient cathedrals in Europe, but when placed in the open space of the plain, it takes on a sense of familiarity, not too distant. The highlight of the facade is the intricately carved and elaborate stone reliefs and decorative details. The use of elegant colors, primarily neutral tones, helps the building maintain the solemn and dignified atmosphere befitting a pilgrimage site.
The photograph, which had faded considerably, now reappeared clearlyViewing objectively, the Roman Pilgrimage Center not only serves religious purposes but has also become an important socio-cultural ecosystem for the region. Every year, during major festivals, this place welcomes tens of thousands of visitors. This has created a significant economic shift for local residents through tourism, accommodation and culinary services. In the church, the greatest value remains unity; the boundaries between believers and non-believers seem to blur, replaced instead by respect for the values of truth, goodness and beauty.
The Bishop of the Vinh Long provincial diocese has issued an edict allowing parishioners to make pilgrimages to visit the imageIn a modern world, the Roman Catholic pilgrimage center retains the relative isolation that has made Roman Catholic churches so alluring “a space for contemplation. Visitors come here not only to pray but also to find peace of mind. The church bells ringing in the vast open space, combined with the cool river breeze, creating an effective therapeutic effect on the mind. This is the strength that has helped this place maintain its position as a renowned pilgrimage site for decades. As a symbol of the Vinh Long provincial Diocese, the preservation and promotion of the value of the Roman Catholic church is facing new opportunities. Combining spiritual tourism and riverine ecotourism is a promising direction.
Today, the Roman Pilgrimage Center embodies a strong faith along with unique features in terms of history, architecture and humanistic values. Therefore, the journey back to Rome is not just a geographical trip, but also a return to the most fundamental spiritual values of humanity./.
