Nhà Thờ Tân Phú Hòa

“A church built with bricks that never fade?” someone in our group murmurs. They are pointing at Giáo xứ Bà Trà. It seems unbelievable, but wait until you hear the story of Giáo xứ Bà Trà. This church boasts a history spanning over eight decades. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Catholic community in this region. The story begins around 1941 when Father Robert Keller, a member of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, recognised the spiritual needs of a group of workers. These workers, employed on French rubber plantations, needed a place of worship. He built the first Giáo xứ Bà Trà, a modest structure that marked the beginning of a long journey for this parish. In 1965, the Diocese of Phú Cường was established, and Giáo xứ Bà Trà came under its jurisdiction. The parish, then a small community of Catholic families scattered across the area, was entrusted to various priests. They would often gather for mass held in a small room with only a handful of attendees. The turning point arrived in 1999 when Father Micae Hoàng Đôn Đốc, M.F., was appointed as the parish priest. Under his leadership, the church underwent significant transformation. Renovations were made, and a new parish house and the “Đức Mẹ” statue were built. In 2007, the construction of a new, larger church building was initiated to accommodate the growing congregation. The new Giáo xứ Bà Trà church building was officially inaugurated in May 2009. It stands as a symbol of the community’s growth and dedication. But the story doesn’t end there. The church has seen further development under subsequent parish priests, including the construction of the “Thánh Tâm” church, a second church on Giáo xứ Bà Trà’s land. Over the years, Giáo xứ Bà Trà has become a vital hub for the Catholic community. It is a place of worship, fellowship, and spiritual guidance, reflecting the enduring faith that has shaped its history.