Was this once a wild jungle? You might wonder that standing before the Thu Thiem Congregation of the Holy Cross Lovers. It’s hard to imagine this peaceful place amidst the urban buzz of Ho Chi Minh City. This church and the accompanying Convent of the Lovers of the Holy Cross have borne witness to dramatic change. In 1840, the congregation was formally established here. This was a time of upheaval, under the reign of Minh-Mang, with persecution scattering Catholic communities. Seeking refuge, the Sisters fled to the then-isolated Thu Thiem. They transformed the wilderness into a hub of faith, building homes, schools, and even farms to support themselves and the poor. The first Thu Thiem Church, alongside the convent, arose in 1859 thanks to the dedication of Father Gabriel Nguyen Khac Thanh. Today, these structures stand as a testament to their resilience. In 2017, the Thu Thiem Congregation of the Holy Cross Lovers, along with the church, were recognized as city-level heritage sites. This designation safeguards them from the relentless development shaping modern Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring their legacy endures. Their story is a testament to the power of faith and community to find sanctuary and create lasting change, even amidst the most challenging circumstances.
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