Father Truong Buu Diep refused to flee during the conflict in 1946, choosing to remain with his parishioners at the church.
The architectural design fuses Romanesque structural elements with traditional Vietnamese motifs.
The shrine is one of the most visited religious sites in the Mekong Delta, drawing pilgrims from across Vietnam and overseas.
The site operates as a functional parish for the local Bac Lieu Catholic community alongside its role as a pilgrimage destination.
Many visitors arrive by private pilgrimage bus tours from Ho Chi Minh City, which can take several hours.
Tac Say Catholic Church, also known as the Father Truong Buu Diep Shrine, serves as the final resting place of the venerated Catholic priest Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep. The site is a major pilgrimage destination located in Bac Lieu Province, despite its traditional mailing address often being associated with the neighboring Ca Mau region. The complex features a distinct three-story architectural design characterized by its white facade, twin towers, and traditional Vietnamese-style curved roof tiles. The main sanctuary houses the tomb of Father Diep, who is widely revered for his sacrifice during the turmoil of the mid-20th century. Large crowds of devotees gather here daily to offer prayers and seek intercession. The church grounds also include spacious courtyards, residential quarters for clergy, and secondary chapels to accommodate the thousands of visitors who arrive weekly. The site acts as a focal point for the Catholic community in the Mekong Delta region.
The front plaza provides the best angle for capturing the full scale of the church towers against the sky.
Visit during weekdays to avoid the significant surge of weekend pilgrims.
Carry a light rain jacket, as the Mekong Delta climate features sudden, intense downpours.
Respect the ongoing religious services by maintaining silence inside the main sanctuary.
Avoid taking flash photography inside the main tomb area during active prayer services.
The site is open daily, though crowds are significantly larger on Sundays and major Catholic feast days.
Modest dress is mandatory; ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Remove hats when entering the sanctuary and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.
