Imagine a rubber tree garden. Sixty years ago it covered Chi Hoa. This is where Dòng tu Khiết Tâm stands today. The landscape has changed. Now the city thrives here. Let’s uncover the story of Dòng tu Khiết Tâm.
In 1968 a small church was built. It was on Vinh Son. Vinh Son is now Long Hung street. The church had a simple design. Its roof was made of corrugated iron and the walls were leaves.
A generous person from Vung Tau saw its poor condition in 1970. They offered a prefabricated structure. People worked together donating time and effort. They wanted a worthy place to worship. The Bich family helped. They used their truck to transport materials. The new church was basic. It had an iron roof and solid frame. The walls were patched with boards. Sunlight and rain still entered. There was only an old altar and some chairs. Bricks and cement were left unused.
Father Duong often held Sunday Mass here from 1970 until liberation. After April 30 1975 no priest came regularly. Then a Christmas Eve Mass happened. Father Vi celebrated it on December 24 1975. About 100 people attended. There were no lights or seats. People stood or sat on the ground. The music was brought by Father. A simple cave and candles created a Bethlehem scene outside Saigon. People called it the “Wooden” church.
By 1978 the congregation grew to hundreds. Mass was held on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays. Father Vi a deputy priest of Chi Hoa still served here. The weather and travel became difficult for him. He became too ill to continue.
In early 1979 Fathers JBat Ho Van Vui and Anton Thanh took turns. They repaired the church. Without repairs it was unusable during storms. They used light materials like plywood and cardboard. They also used corrugated iron. Some furniture came from Chi Hoa and Batania retreat house. Father Thanh put up a statue of Our Lady. He used an old FATIMA pharmacy sign as the church’s sign.
In November 1980 many claimed Our Lady wept. At that time Father Thanh stopped celebrating Mass. Fathers Vui and Vi returned taking turns each week. The church was in bad shape. Rain threatened collapse. Termites ate the walls made of cardboard.
On April 11 1981 Archbishop Paul Nguyen Van Binh appointed Father Vi. He was responsible to the Archbishop as a “Quasi Parochus”. The church needed repair. The congregation urged Father Vi to act. Without repair it was unsafe but there was no money. Father Vi gathered the people. He emphasized love faith and service not status or wealth. He asked for prayers and announced the repairs. Father Vi prayed to Our Lady. He said if she wanted her Son glorified she would help.
Construction began on May 2 1981. No one was asked for donations. Help came from those who felt moved to give. The church was completed quickly by two contractors. It was simply inaugurated on July 12 1981. On July 13 1981 Archbishop Paul Binh visited. He administered Confirmation. Father Vi asked him to name the church. It was named Khiết Tâm Tân Bình.
The patron saint is the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1987 the parish boundaries were confirmed. A bell tower was built on July 1 1994. The bells were blessed on September 21 1994. A deputy priest officiated. The story of Dòng tu Khiết Tâm shows faith and community.