“This is the place” Father Wibaux declared. He stood on a large open field near the naval shipyard. This was to be the site of a new seminary. This was the beginning of St Joseph the Worker Church’s story.
St Joseph the Worker Church wasn’t always a church. It began as St Joseph’s Seminary. Bishop Dominique Lefebvre founded it in 1859. This was after the French conquest. The seminary trained Roman Catholic priests. It’s a unique quiet space in a busy city. A previous seminary was destroyed. This one was built on land Father Wibaux chose. He is said to have used much of his personal fortune to help build the original structure.
The first seminary building was completed in 1866. It was 45 meters long and 21 meters wide. A large hall served as a place of worship initially. In 1867 a dedicated chapel began construction. It was completed in 1871. It’s a beautiful Gothic structure. Father Wibaux was buried behind the chapel after he died. His tomb now rests in an ornate mausoleum built in 1913.
The seminary expanded in the 1920s. Two new wings were added between 1928 and 1932. This allowed for a Grand Seminaire for senior students and a Petit Seminaire for juniors. The seminary was evacuated during World War II. It resumed operations after the war. It temporarily closed in 1982 but reopened in 1987. The Petit Seminaire did not reopen at that time.
Today the original seminary building remains. It has been extensively restored. It houses offices a library a heritage center and an exhibition gallery. The heritage center contains a large collection of religious artifacts. This includes statues altar accessories furniture and books. Artwork from Father Dominique Tran Thai Hiep’s collection is also on display. The Seminary Chapel still stands in a peaceful courtyard. It’s a testament to the enduring faith that built St Joseph the Worker Church. The church stands as a symbol of faith resilience and a fascinating piece of Saigon’s history. It is more than just a building. It’s a living legacy.