Remember the year 1771. Gi\u00e1o x\u1ee9 L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau began humbly at C\u00e2y Me Market. A simple altar honored Ch\u00faa.
Gi\u00e1o x\u1ee9 L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau owes its start to Bishop B\u00e1 u0110a L\u1ed9c. He oversaw the Nam u0110\u00e0ng Trong diocese. L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau was its central point then.
Later persecution waned. The church moved to a spacious, elevated site. This new location became today’s L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau Church. It was simply constructed with light materials. Tile roofs and wooden walls defined it. Tall, shady trees completed the idyllic scene.
June 1792 marked a change. The bishop relocated the seminary to T\u00e2n Tri\u1ec1u in u0110\u1ed3ng Nai.
By 1798 a major seminary opened in L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau. Twenty-four students were enrolled. Father Az\u00e9mar initiated a new L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau church in 1894 at the current site. Sadly he died a year later.
Father Ernest Verney continued his work. He completed it in 1897. He served L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau from 1895 to 1915.
For over a century L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau Church has retained its ancient architecture.
Its sanctuary features a vaulted space. The Gothic style is lit by narrow, high windows. The main gate is now at the back facing the community. Additional gates offer access to the grounds.
Shady trees surround the area. Statues of Jesus, Mary and Catholic saints stand solemnly.
Gi\u00e1o x\u1ee9 L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau welcomes visitors daily. It is open from 5 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. On Sundays and holidays it extends its hours to 7 PM. The church hosts religious education and social activities. These events foster community among its parishioners.
Gi\u00e1o x\u1ee9 L\u00e1i Thi\u00eau stands as a testament to faith. It is a place of historical and spiritual importance. The church has witnessed centuries of change. It remains a beacon in the community.