(VOVworld) – More than 70,000 pilgrims across the country flocked to the opening ceremony of the 2014 La Vang Pilgrimage Festival on Thursday at La Vang Church in Hai Lang district, central Quang Tri province.

The event features various activities and Catholic rituals which involve the participation of many bishops, priests and Catholic devotees from across the nation. The bishops, priests and other Catholic dignitaries expressed thanks to provincial, district and communal authorities for creating favorable conditions for the religious activities held during the annual festival.