Archbishop Etienne Ngyuen Nhu The of Hue expressed his gratitude to the Virgin Mary and asked forgiveness for his shortcomings during a ceremony marking his 50th anniversary as a priest.

Some 5,000 Religious and Catholics attended the ceremony on January 1 at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang in Quang Tri province.

“My life is very close to Our Lady of La Vang, who loves and offers me various graces,” the archbishop told the gathering.

“I am sure to have made many imperfections during the past 50 years of my priesthood. I also apologize and beg forgiveness from every one of you.”

Archbishop The will hold additional ceremonies at Phu Cam Cathedral and at his home parish of Cay Da to further express his gratitude to ancestors and local people who, he said, provide him with material and spiritual support.