Perhaps you are wondering about this peaceful place. Welcome to Nghĩa trang Giáo xứ Sài Quất. This is the Sài Quất Parish Cemetery. It is a place of rest and remembrance. Let me tell you a story about this parish and its people.
In 1954 Father Đaminh Đỗ Minh Chuẩn led about 700 Catholics. They came from Sài Quất and Vân Đồn parishes in Thái Bình Diocese. They journeyed to Hố Nai to start anew. This marked the beginning of the Sài Quất community. They were under the Văn Côi Parish initially.
Under the guidance of Father Sebastianô Nguyễn Duy Nhật, the community built a chapel. It was made of brick and wood. It measured 10m x 31.5m. This served as their place for Mass and prayer.
In 1958 Sài Quất was elevated to parish status. Father Sebastianô Nguyễn Duy Nhật became the first parish priest. That same year Father Sebastianô and the community began building a rectory.
Six years later Father Giuse Ngô Văn Tố succeeded Father Sebastianô. He helped stabilize the parish activities. Two years later Father Antôn Trần Ngọc Lạc replaced Father Giuse. Besides nurturing the community’s faith, Father Antôn and the parishioners renovated the church surroundings. They also worked on the rectory.
In 1973 Father Đaminh Nguyễn Hưng Phong took charge of the parish. In 1990 Father Đaminh and the community built the present spacious church. They trusted in divine providence. Three years later Father Giuse Nguyễn Đức Lục became the parish priest. To meet the parish’s needs, Father Giuse and the community built a Our Lady’s grotto. They also constructed a religious education building measuring 72 m2.
In 2006 Father Giuse Nguyễn Thế Vinh came to serve as parish priest. He and the community built a rectory. They renovated the religious education area. They also worked on the Saint Joseph statue. Under Father Giuse’s guidance, the Sài Quất community grew stronger in faith and love.
On October 21, 2022, the parish welcomed Father Giuse Đỗ Mạnh Thái. He continues to care for and guide the community. Sài Quất Parish is bordered by several areas. To the East is Sài Quất Parish. To the West is Ngọc Đồng Parish. To the South is the Long Bình area. To the North is National Route IA and Ngọc Đồng Parish.
The parish covers an area of 0.3 km2. The Eucharistic adoration day is on the Sunday before the patron saint’s feast. The current priest is Giuse Đỗ Mạnh Thái. He has been serving since October 21, 2022.
In 1954 the parish had 700 Catholics. By 2025 it had grown to 2496. This shows the enduring faith of the Sài Quất community. The parish celebrates its patron saint. That is Saint Đaminh on August 8th.
Nghĩa trang Giáo xứ Sài Quất stands as a testament. It reflects the community’s journey and unwavering faith. It all began with 700 people seeking a new home.