“A Roman marvel in Xóm Mới?” That’s what some call Nhá Thờ Bắc Dũng. Its architecture inspires visitors to pause and admire its beauty. This Catholic church is more than just a pretty facade. It is a center for faith and community.
Nhà Thờ Bắc Dũng has a rich history dating back to 1954. Father Phêrô Đoàn Công Nhượng founded the church. Initially it served around 1250 parishioners. The first church was a simple structure made of prefabricated materials. It had fibro cement roofing.
In 1955 Father Phêrô built a longer church about 30 meters long. It featured wooden columns, plank walls and a tôn roof. An upgrade occurred in 1962. Father Phêrô heightened the roof and replaced the plank walls with brick.
A major rebuilding project took place in 1992. Father Giuse Nguyễn Bá Chính constructed a new and solid church building. Then in June 2014 the parish began renovating the sanctuary. The new design retained the old framework. It added height with new columns. The facade was completely redone. It now features two tall towers resembling Saigon’s Đức Bà Church.
On May 2 2016 Archbishop Phaolô consecrated the renovated church and altar. Giáo xứ Bắc Dũng continues to be a vibrant center for its over 3000 parishioners. They are divided into four zones. Various groups meet here. These include the Dominican Fraternity, the Hội Gia trưởng and the Hội Các Bà Mẹ Công Giáo.
Father Giuse Trần Cao Thăng took over in July 2011. He has overseen many changes. The parish has a special building called “Ngôi Nhà Chung”. It is used for religious education. It houses twelve rooms named after the twelve apostles. There is also a Đức Mẹ Fatima statue.
The design is a blend of Roman and historical styles. Father Giuse and Dutch architect Louk Lennaert worked together. They created a functional space that did not cost too much. Louk’s son Lorenz Lennaert created the building plans.
Nhà Thờ Bắc Dũng also has a strong community focus. It provides meals for the poor. It offers charity trips to remote areas. The church even runs an English center. This is called “Trung Tâm Anh Ngữ Joseph”. It offers affordable classes.
Nhà Thờ Bắc Dũng reflects its community. It is faithful and vibrant. Đức cố TGM Phaolô Bùi Văn Đọc said it best. “Besides restoring the material church we must build a temple of the soul.”