According to Nguyen’s account, the people of Darkhan used to collect recyclable materials such as plastic and metal to make a living. Among these individuals was a lady named Tsetsegee, who had spent many years scavenging in landfills. One day, as she sifted through the refuse, she stumbled upon a statue carefully tucked away in some clothing. When she asked those around her if anyone wanted to keep it, no one expressed any interest. Captivated by the statue’s beauty, Tsetsegee decided to take it home. When some Missionary Sisters of Charity visited her family, the story came to light, and Tsetsegee decided to offer the statue to Mary Help of Christians Parish. Initially, it was kept in the parish office until Marengo became aware of it.
On Dec. 8, 2022, the cardinal enthroned the statue in the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar, consecrating Mongolia to the Virgin Mary. A few months after this solemn consecration, he visited Tsetsegee in Darkhan, as she was too ill to participate at the time. In an interview with catholic-kazakhstan.org, the cardinal explained that Tsetsegee felt so ill as she was nearing death and expressed, “If I am alive now, it is thanks to that Lady.” She requested to be baptized, feeling a profound bond with “that Lady” whom she had once discovered in a landfill.
Within the Catholic community, devotion to Mary has been wholeheartedly embraced. In Mongolia, mothers hold a special place in people’s hearts, both within families and in society.
“In our parish, it’s common for men to come to the parish and first pay their respects to Mary by lighting a candle, writing intentions on pieces of paper, or making donations at the box in front of her statue. To me, this reflects remarkable faith and trust in her,” Nguyen shared.