“Did the church bells of Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Phước Tường ever ring out an alarm?” The old woman’s question hung in the air, tinged with both curiosity and a hint of fear. We stand before Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Phước Tường in Da Nang. Its history is deeply entwined with the tumultuous events of Vietnam’s past. During the 1954 migration, Catholics from North Vietnam sought refuge in central and southern regions, settling along National Route 1. They faced numerous challenges, including the lack of a Catholic church in this area. Attending Sunday Mass and other services required arduous journeys to Da Nang. Recognizing their plight, Bishop Giuse Lê Văn Ấn requested Father Charmot from the Paris Foreign Missions Society to minister to these displaced communities. In 1955 and 1956, he celebrated Mass in temporary shelters and simple bamboo structures at various locations, including the foothills of Phước Tường. Then, in 1957, Father Phanxicô Xaviê Nguyễn Quang Sách became the first resident priest at Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Phước Tường. He oversaw the construction of more permanent structures, laying the foundation for the church we see today. The original church building was constructed in 1969 on a new site. It was significantly larger than its predecessors, measuring 18 meters by 55 meters. Unfortunately, it remained unfinished due to the events of 1975. It wasn’t until March 1999 that a tiled floor was laid and a bell tower was finally erected. The church has witnessed fluctuating numbers of parishioners over the years. From a peak of 12,000 between 1958 and 1962, the numbers dwindled to a mere 450 after 1975. The church’s story reflects the resilience of the Catholic community here in Da Nang. It reminds us of the challenges they faced, their unwavering faith, and their commitment to rebuilding their lives and their church, here at Nhà thờ Giáo xứ Phước Tường.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to