From Totus Tuus Fb page: Our Lady of Trà Kiệu is a cherished Marian title among Vietnamese Catholics, linked to a shrine built in thanksgiving for the Virgin Mary’s protection during the 1885 siege of Trà Kiệu village near present-day Đà Nẵng. In September 1885, during the anti-Catholic Cần Vương uprising, a large force of Văn Thân soldiers surrounded the poorly armed Catholic community. While the villagers prayed the Rosary and defended their homes, the attackers later testified that a radiant, mysterious Lady appeared. She walked along the village walls, holding the Child Jesus high, and spoke words of reassurance: “Fear not, for your Mother is here.” Though the soldiers aimed their weapons at her, every shot missed. Terrified by the sight, they fled, giving the Catholics the courage to counterattack and reclaim their village on 21 September. Remarkably, none of the faithful themselves saw the apparition—only their enemies beheld her. This detail has long been understood to mean that Mary comes not solely for those already close to her, but also for those who are far away. For this reason she is especially honored at Trà Kiệu as the Refuge of Sinners. In 1898 a shrine dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians was raised on Bửu Châu Hill. In 1971 it was designated the Marian Center of the Diocese of Đà Nẵng, and an annual pilgrimage continues each May. Pilgrims still come to this quiet hilltop sanctuary, trusting in the motherly care of Our Lady of Trà Kiệu. Our Lady of Trà Kiệu, Refuge of Sinners, pray for us. Amen!
