“Ever distributed the cool air?” That’s what the architecture of Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 reminds me of.
We are standing before Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0. It is more than just a place of worship. It is a landmark with a unique story. Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 has been a part of this community for 160 years.
In 1863, Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 was officially established. Initially, it was a small church. It stood near the Đồng Nai River. Later, it moved to its current location. The new church building was completed in 2010. Linh mục Trần Công Hiển described its architecture. The roof resembles the Pope’s hat.
The church has an interesting design. At the highest point is a statue of Christ the King. Below are 13 statues of patron saints. These saints represent the 13 former sub-districts of the parish. Now, Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 has 12 sub-districts. Statues of Saints Peter and Paul stand at the main staircase. They are the patrons of the parish. Inside, you will find portraits of 266 Popes.
Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 has two floors. It can accommodate about 3,000 people for a service. The church also preserves artifacts over 100 years old. This includes a 130-year-old bell in the tower. There is also a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus over 100 years old.
Pham Sơn Lâm noted its location. Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 is at the intersection of major roads. These include Cách Mạng Tháng 8, 30-4, and Nguyễn Văn Trị. Its facade is visible from many points.
Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 serves about 15,000 Catholics. Nhà nguyện Hoa Lư, built in 1957, is also part of the parish. It serves nearly 1,000 parishioners. People from various backgrounds visit Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0. They come to enjoy decorations during Christmas and Tết.
Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 was the first in Xuân Lộc to hold Mass in English. This began in late 2022. It caters to foreigners living and working in Biên Hòa. Nearly 200 people attend the English Mass. About one-fifth are foreigners. The rest are English-speaking parishioners. A choir sings in English during the service.
The church offers free classes for children. This includes an English class with almost 200 participants. Some teachers are foreigners living in Biên Hòa. They provide free training clothes for disadvantaged children. Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 also provides gifts to those in need. They distribute gifts during Easter, Christmas, and Tết.
Recently, Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 organized free medical check-ups for 2,600 people. They plan to hold these events every two months. Each event will focus on a specific medical specialty.
From its humble beginnings by the river, Nh\u00e0 th\u1edd Chi h\u1ed9i Bi\u00ean Ho\u00e0 has grown. It has become a vital part of Biên Hòa. It is a place of faith, community, and service. A beacon of hope.