Our Lady of La Vang 4.36

In 1798, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the people of Vietnam approximately 60 kilometers from the former capital Hue. The central and national shrine of Our Lady of La Vang in Vietnam is located there. "La Vang" is derived from a type of fern which used to grow in great quantities in the region. During the great persecution (1798-1801) many Catholics took refuge in the jungle situated in proximity of Quang Tri, a village in central Vietnam, where they suffered from the bitter cold, wild animals, experienced hunger and sickness, and prepared themselves for martyrdom. At night they would gather into groups and pray in common, especially the Most Holy Rosary. One day, as the community was assembled in prayer, the figure of a lady, surrounded by many lights, appeared to them. She presented herself as the Mother of God, encouraged and consoled them, and gave them a special sign of her loving care - she advised the people to use the leaves of the fern to treat their ailments, and promised them to receive their prayers with maternal generosity. All who would congregate on this site to pray would be heard and their petitions granted. Mary appeared on several occasions at the same site. After the persecution in 1802, the Catholics left their jungle hiding place and, returning to their villages, spread word of the miracles.