“A church born from the exodus,” a weathered voice whispered, carrying on the humid Saigon breeze. Right here, before Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai, the echoes of a remarkable journey resonate. Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai began not with bricks and mortar, but with the hopes of refugees. On August 10, 1954, Catholics from northern dioceses like Bùi Chu, Thái Bình, and Hải Phòng, fleeing the aftermath of the Indochina War, arrived in the Tân Mai area of Bình Trước. They sought refuge in this then-remote woodland of what was then Châu Thành District. Led by Father Phêrô Nguyễn Khang Hy, appointed by Bishop Phêrô Phạm Ngọc Chi of Bùi Chu, they established Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai on August 22, 1954, within the Saigon diocese. Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this became a beacon of hope, a testament to their resilience. Initially, a simple thatched church sufficed. By 1959, a larger structure of wood and corrugated iron housed the growing congregation. Tragedy struck in 1956 when a fire ravaged their nascent community. Undeterred, they rebuilt and continued to grow. Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai became a magnet for other displaced communities, further expanding its reach and influence. By 1959, with the establishment of Đức Tu district, Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai found itself part of the newly formed xã Bài Tiềng. Over the years, Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai underwent several renovations. In 1980, the church was rebuilt using modest materials, a concession to the times. A major expansion in 1987 resulted in a 60-meter long structure, complete with a bell tower. Further renovations in 1995, 2003, and 2010 modernized the facilities, including the addition of LCD screens for services. The original simple church where they first worshipped now stands as a poignant reminder of their humble beginnings. Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the spirit of a community, forged in displacement and strengthened by faith. Today, Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Tân Mai, with its distinctive blend of architectural styles and vibrant community, stands as a symbol of hope and resilience in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to