“Didn’t they start from scratch?” a visitor asked pointing to Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng.
Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng stands as a testament to faith and community. It began with people seeking a place to worship. Over forty years ago many Catholics came to this area. They came from different regions and dioceses. This land in Ph\u1ea1m Th\u1ebf Hi\u1ec3n was then quite deserted.
From 1963 to 1968 they had no church here. Parishioners had to cross a river for Mass. After a while a parishioner offered their home. Father Giuse \u0110\u1ed7 \u0110\u1ee9c H\u1ea1nh from B\u00ecnh Xuy\u00ean helped. He celebrated Mass every Sunday.
The congregation grew from 1969 to 1990. Representatives petitioned the Archbishop. Archbishop Phaol\u00f4 Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n B\u00ecnh gave them land. He also provided funds. Bishop Fx. Tr\u1ea7n Thanh Kh\u00e2m established Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng as a religious center.
Father Giac\u00f4b\u00ea \u0110\u1eb7ng V\u0103n Doanh from Nam H\u1ea3i oversaw Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng. He organized fundraising to build a church.
In early 1971 Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng was completed. It had a steel frame and a tôn roof. The floor was cement. Saint Phanxic\u00f4 Xavi\u00ea became its patron saint.
From 1974 to 1989 Father Phaol\u00f4 Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n Ng\u1ee3i served here. Though retired he traveled far to offer daily Mass. He served Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng for fifteen years. Father Phaol\u00f4 passed away on July 24 1989.
From 1989 to 1990 Father Fx. Nguy\u1ec5n H\u00f9ng O\u00e1nh from Nam H\u1ea3i took over.
In 1991 Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng became a parish. Father Giuse Nguy\u1ec5n H\u1eefu B\u1eb1ng became pastor. He renovated and upgraded the church. It became taller and brighter despite limited funds.
He formed a Parish Council. He started organizations. These included Catholic Mothers and choirs. He invited Lasan brothers to teach catechism. They taught children from baptism to advanced levels. After eighteen years Father Giuse retired on July 14 2009.
On July 30 2009 Father Ph\u00ear\u00f4 Nguy\u1ec5n C\u00f4ng T\u00e2m became the new pastor. He strengthened groups and built shrines. He added statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint Martin. He reorganized the Parish Council. He supported catechists and Catholic Mothers. He held special Masses for children on Sundays. He visited families and the sick. He brought Communion to the homebound. He celebrated funeral Masses at home.
Today Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng includes eight districts. It serves about 1700 parishioners plus temporary residents.
Father Ph\u00ear\u00f4 gradually repaired the church and rectory. Funds were limited. The structures were very deteriorated. Repairs were challenging. He called on the community for help. They contributed labor funds and prayers.
On April 24 2010 “A Day of Grace” celebrated the completion of the new church.
In 2019, Father \u0110a Minh Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n Hi\u1ec7p became the pastor of Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng.
Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Ch\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng’s story reflects community spirit. It also embodies unwavering faith. It stands as a symbol of unity for all who gather here.