The scent of incense hangs heavy in the air. We stand before Nghĩa trang Giáo xứ Tây Hải. A poignant place. A quiet testament to faith and perseverance.
This isn’t just any cemetery. It’s the resting place for a community. It’s a living history of the Tây Hải parish. Established much later than its original beginnings it represents years of devotion and rebuilding.
In 1954 amidst the turmoil of war a small group of parishioners found refuge near the Ho Nai area. Led by Father Thomas Nguyen Duy The and Father Thomas Nguyen Quang Dang they started a new life. They built a humble chapel a simple structure of brick and straw. It served as a place of worship a sanctuary in uncertain times.
The initial community the Mễ Đông-Tư Đà congregation was under the Hải Phòng diocese. Life wasn’t easy. Fathers Dang and The faced challenges. Father Dang moved west Father The to Đồng Đaminh. Father Đỗ Đức Tuyền served briefly before moving. The congregation continued to persevere.
In 1959 a more substantial church was built. It was named the Immaculate Heart Church and fell under the Kim Bích parish. Years passed. The church grew. On March 15 1975 Father Damine Nguyen Van Lang elevated the Immaculate Heart Church to parish status. It was renamed the Immaculate Heart Church II. Father Laurenço Hoa Van Mễ became its first pastor.
By 1994 Father Laurenço with the help of the parishioners began expanding the church. The construction was completed in 1998. Three years later in 2001 Father Paul Maria Nguyen Minh Nhật changed the parish name to Tây Hải. Father Giuse Nguyen Van Tich succeeded Father Laurenço in 2010. He oversaw the renovation of the church grounds. He also worked on a beautiful new building.
Father Giuse Nguyen The Vinh took over in 2017. He continued the work of modernization and expansion. A new building was completed in 2018. It houses the parish classrooms and offices.
The Nghĩa trang Giáo xứ Tây Hải is more than just a final resting place. It reflects the enduring spirit of the Tây Hải community. Its history is etched not only in stone but in the hearts of its people. A place of quiet reflection a place of peace. A place of faith. A place to remember the lives lived and the stories told within the walls of the Tây Hải church itself.