A Catholic Tragedy and the Largest Catholic Event in the United States

There was a horrible tragedy last week that I don't think got the attention it deserved in the Catholic press. They were going to a event that no where gets the attention in needs in the American Catholic Catholic press.

Last week 12 people died and dozens more were injured in a bus accident. They were out of Houston. THe accident was mentioned but their specific faith or the event they were going too were oddly not mentioned.

The Houston Chronicle has the latest at Festival-goers pay respects as they return home.

Also see their past stories Festival attendees keep faith despite accident Loved ones recall victims' strength and sacrifices , and other stories listed on the side.

This Marian Days festival in all of place Carthage Missouri is the biggest Catholic gathering in the United States each year. 75,000 People attended last year!!!! It has been in the past mostly a Vietnamese thing but word is slowly spreading. It sounds like a event that should be promoted nationwide for all Catholics to maybe consider giving a visit

Whispers in the Loggia last year had a very good roundup of the is event that many have not heard of at "Asian Invasion" -- for Mary

I sometimes wonder if we as American Catholics are taking advantage of all the resources we have.

For coverage of this years event see
What is the Marian Days Festival?
Vietnamese Marian Days celebration becomes a time to grieve
Marian Days Kicks Off in Carthage
Ex-refugee: Marian Days time to remember
Marian Days festivities begin today
Keeping Carthage's Marian Days safe
Bishop Johnston Responds to Deadly Crash
Prayer, friendship bring worshippers back to Carthage