Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Giảng Võ

Tucked away on 766 La Thanh Street in Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, stands the Nha tho Giao xu Giang Vo. Its story begins in 1922. That year marks the construction of the original church building. Fast forward a century, to August 22, 2022. The Nha tho Giao xu Giang Vo celebrated its centennial anniversary. The Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien presided over the mass. The celebration was a joyous occasion, marking a significant milestone in the church’s history. The church’s very existence speaks volumes about the enduring faith of its community. Nha tho Giao xu Giang Vo isn’t just a building. It is a testament to the resilience and devotion of its parishioners. They have kept their faith alive through a century of change and challenge. Even before the church’s construction, the seeds of faith were sown. Before 1917, Father Phero Tran Ngoa Toa, originally from Nam Dinh, began evangelizing the Giang Vo community. He served at the Hanoi Cathedral. During this period, local families like the Ngo Van, Bui, Truong Van, Truong Nhu, and Duong families embraced Christianity. They studied under Father Toa and were baptized. The French priest, Father Daminh, also played a key role. He led the Minh parish, nurturing and caring for the growing congregation. In 1922, Father Toa and local families built the first church building on La Thanh Street. Weekly and Sunday masses became a regular part of community life. The church boasted a choir and associations for adults and children. Daily morning prayers solidified the church’s rhythm. Father Daminh, known locally as Do Minh Le, left Vietnam in 1962. This left the church vacant. By 1986, the church, neglected and without a leader, had fallen into disrepair. Sadly, squatters occupied parts of the property. Disputes arose between the church and the squatters in 1990. This even made it into the Dai Doan Ket newspaper. Though the church repeatedly appealed to authorities, resolution was slow. During this time, Father Toma Aquino Thuy from Cua Bac parish provided guidance. The Bishop allowed Giang Vo parishioners to join the Hang Bot parish. Father Alphonso Vu Ngoc Thien also directly cared for and taught the community. Today, the Nha tho Giao xu Giang Vo stands as a symbol of faith. Reminders of its past remain. The church’s original cornerstone, inscribed with “1922”, still exists. Statues of the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to inspire. Through the years, priests like Father Cuong, Father Kieu, and Father Tuyen have served. They held masses on Wednesday evenings and Sundays. On November 21, 2020, Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien officially elevated Giang Vo to parish status. He appointed Father Joseph Dao Truong Thanh as the first official parish priest.