Unique Architecture of Vị Hưng Church in Hậu Giang

Flowing down the Xà No canal near the foot of Xà No bridge, visitors are greeted by the striking sight of Vị Hưng Church, adorned in prominent white and curved red tile roofs stacked upon each other. Travelers exploring the Western region will have the opportunity to join in prayer services with the local parishioners and capture beautiful photos at Vị Hưng Church in Hậu Giang. Especially during Christmas, the church will be beautifully decorated with sparkling Christmas trees and intricately designed caves within the church compound.

Vị Hưng Church by the Romantic Xáng Xà No Canal

Location of Vị Hưng Church

Location of Vị Hưng Church

History

Vị Hưng Church was founded in the late 19th century by Father Phaolô Nguyễn Thanh Cần. Initially, it was named Vị Thanh, later changed to Vị Hưng.

In 1890, Vị Hưng Church was built with leaves at the Mùa Ôm stream, about 2 km away from its current location, with 15 families following the faith at that time. From 1897 to 1915, the church was relocated to Xáng Xà No canal, reconstructed multiple times with leaves, tiles, and wooden columns.

In 1925, Father Peter Cao Phuoc Nhan returned to embrace his faith, commencing the reconstruction of the church with solid bricks and tiled roofing... It was inaugurated in 1943 alongside a school, a rectory, and a residence for the faithful within the compound. However, the structure suffered extensive damage during the war.

In 2007, the old church was dismantled for reconstruction. Most of the church builders were parishioners, guided and supervised in technique and design by Master Micae Tran Do. All materials and tiles were purchased from Dong Nai and transported via the Xang Xa No canal.

Unique Architecture

Through myriad ups and downs, amidst challenges and moments of joy and happiness, Vi Hung Church, once a humble sanctuary nestled by the banks of the Xang Xa No canal, has now evolved into a majestic and magnificent house of God, a must-visit destination in Hau Giang for travelers.

Impressive Fusion Architecture of the Cathedral

Built within a spacious and airy compound, boasting an impressive fusion architecture. Predominantly designed in the style of classical Roman churches, yet the curved and prominent roofline bears the semblance of Vietnamese pagodas.

The Cathedral structure is solidly constructed with 2 floors, where the ground floor serves as the Cathedral. Therefore, the entrance to the Cathedral is connected to a wide staircase made of reinforced concrete, leading directly from the courtyard to the first floor. Additionally, on either side of this main staircase are 2 arc-shaped staircases also connected from outside directly to the first floor, giving the initial impression of a European cathedral or French colonial-era houses still preserved in Vietnam.

The church is adorned in splendid decorations during Christmas – Photo by Ly Anh Lam

Standing on the first floor of this Cathedral, casting your gaze across the Xa No Canal, you'll behold a picturesque countryside scene dominated by the lush green of fields and gardens.

The Eastern architectural style is manifested through the graceful curves on the church roof. According to Father Anthony Vu Van Triet, the church is designed with the concept of cultural integration in mind, hence the architecture of Vi Hung Church bears resemblance to the overall essence of Vietnamese art and culture, reminiscent of ancient Vietnamese royal palaces and pagodas.

The door arches of the church draw inspiration from Gothic design with pointed spires reaching towards the sky. The window frames are designed in a vaulted shape following Roman architecture.

Western architecture is characterized by Tracery glass doors, comprised of various colored panels, allowing natural light from outside to illuminate the images on the glass panels.

Even after 130 years, the church still preserves many structures and artifacts from its old churches. These include the statue of the Holy Family built in 1956 and the Mount of Our Lady of La Vang built in 1974.

Posted by: Hiền Hiền

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