“Whispers of devotion echo through these walls. Welcome to Tu viện Mến Thánh Giá Chợ Quán a sanctuary of faith and service. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Congregation of the Holy Cross Lovers. Founded in Vietnam in 1670 this is the first Catholic female order with Asian roots. Bishop Lambert de la Motte established it. He was a bishop of the Paris Foreign Missions Society.
Tu viện Mến Thánh Giá Chợ Quán is more than a building. It is a living embodiment of faith. It is rooted in Vietnamese soil. The order expanded its reach. It went to Cambodia in 1772. Japan followed in 1878. Laos joined in 1887. By 2005 the order had grown significantly. There were approximately 24 congregations in Vietnam. Other congregations spread to the United States Thailand Laos and Cambodia. This expansion demonstrates the order’s commitment to spreading its message.
Imagine the scene on June 7. Đức cha Phêrô Nguyễn Văn Khảm solemnly celebrated Mass. He was joined by 65 priests. Seven nuns professed their vows for the first time. Nine nuns professed their perpetual vows. These vows marked a lifelong dedication to their faith. The Hội dòng Mến Thánh Giá Chợ Quán was festively decorated. Two rows of greeters welcomed guests. The sounds of hymns filled the air. Everyone felt the love of God and neighbor.
Đức Cha Phêrô greeted the congregation. He especially welcomed representatives of other religions. He shared the joy with the Hội dòng Mến Thánh Giá Chợ Quán. He spoke of the meaning of vows. They are a gift of love. Jesus Christ gave that gift on the cross. He invited the congregation to pray. He asked them to support the new nuns. He wanted them to remain faithful to their vows.
The Hội dòng Mến Thánh Giá Chợ Quán is part of a larger network. It is one of 24 Mến Thánh Giá congregations in Vietnam. It operates in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. Đức Cha Phêrô Maria Lambert de la Motte founded it in 1670. It is a local order. It reports directly to the Diocesan Bishop. It balances contemplation with action. It directly evangelizes non-Christians.
In 1825 Bà Matta Nguyễn Thị Lành sent five nuns to Chợ Quán. She was the superior of the Cái Mơn monastery. They were tasked to establish a new monastery. These nuns were Quyền Vui Quí Sửu and Thọ. Bà Điểm a wealthy widow provided them shelter. She lived near the Chợ Quán church. The Tu viện Mến Thánh Giá Chợ Quán was born.
Today the Hội dòng has 60 communities. They serve in six dioceses. These are Ho Chi Minh City Mỹ Tho Phú Cường Xuân Lộc Bà Rịa and Đà Lạt. As of today the Hội dòng includes 289 perpetually professed nuns. There are 59 temporary professed. 17 are in formation.
The Mother House is located at 118 Trần Bình Trọng Ward 2 District 5. Sister Maria Phạm Thị Hiền is the current superior. Tu viện Mến Thánh Giá Chợ Quán stands as a beacon of faith and service. It reminds us of the power of devotion. It highlights the strength of community. It shows the enduring legacy of the Congregation of the Holy Cross Lovers.”