Visit Thanh Hoa Church, a majestic Catholic work amidst the river delta
Inaugurated in mid-2024, Thanh Hoa Church in Kien Giang Province stands out for its classical Western architecture, along with its profound cultural and religious significance.
From a muddy field…
Thanh Hoa Church in Kien Giang Province
Located about 40 km from the center of Rach Gia City, Thanh Hoa Church sits on a spacious plot of land in Tu Hat Hamlet, Thanh Hoa Commune, Giong Rieng District, Kien Giang Province. The church is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery with vast fields and lush greenery. To reach its entrance, we crossed a small bridge spanning a canal - which is a typical feature of the Mekong Delta region.
Here, we had the opportunity to meet and talk with Father Vincent Vu Anh Tuan, who has been attached to this place since its early days. Sharing the church's history, Father said that this place used to be just a muddy field. It wasn’t until 2005 that Father Dominic Dinh Trung Thanh arrived and purchased this land to make it a missionary site and carry out charitable activities. In 2016, the land was officially licensed and recognized by the Government as religious property.
...overcoming countless challenges during construction
According to Father Vincent Vu Anh Tuan, since this area initially did not have a place to worship God, he aspired to create a space to introduce God to the community and fulfill the mission of spreading the Gospel locally. Then, with the approval of the Bishop, the construction of Thanh Hoa Church officially began on October 7, 2019. However, the project faced numerous challenges due to limited financial resources and a shortage of personnel, especially the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021.
By 2022, the church construction project resumed after a period of interruption. Over the next three years, from 2022 to 2024, the generous contributions of benefactors gradually provided the necessary funds to complete the project. After nearly 5 years of effort, the church was finally completed on June 22, 2024, bringing immense happiness to the Father and the parishioners. Next to the church is the parish house, whose main function is to serve pastoral work and meetings for groups and associations.
...to become a remarkable architectural structure
The church's architecture is strongly inspired by Western classical style, featuring soaring domes, bright white walls and a majestic cross. At the heart of the church stands a statue of the Virgin Mary with hands joined in prayer, while a statue of Saint Joseph is prominently placed in the courtyard between the church and the parish house.
Inside, the church's design is simple yet reverent, radiating a sacred atmosphere ideal for prayer. Every element, from the Father’s podium and the altar to the door frames, pews and aisles, is thoughtfully arranged in perfect harmony. Also, the high expansive ceilings, complemented by details like chandeliers and elegant arches, further enhance the church’s classical beauty.
A thriving community of over 300 parishioners
Reflecting on community building, Father recounted that in the early days, he went from house to house along the canal, assisting poor families by repairing roofs, providing funds, and supporting the construction of bridges and roads. These efforts fostered a strong sense of connection among parishioners, growing the community to over 300 believers as it stands today.
Like many other churches, in addition to the Father, Thanh Hoa Church also has a pastoral council, a choir, and groups for children, mothers and fathers. Currently, it serves as a place for many meaningful liturgical activities. On weekdays, the church has morning mass, while on Sundays there is an additional evening mass for children. In addition, catechism classes for children are also held periodically every weekend.
The sound system of Thanh Hoa Church
Thanh Hoa Church can truly be seen as a pillar of support for the local parishioners, a place where they come together to share, pray, and strive for good values. More than just a symbol of faith, the church stands as a striking architectural feature amidst the serene beauty of the river countryside. HELUKABEL Vietnam is honored to be a small part in the church’s sound system with HELUSOUND audio, speaker and microphone cables, thereby enriching the sacred experiences of those attending the ceremonies.
With its deep religious values and profound humanistic significance, Thanh Hoa Church will continue to nurture and support the faith journey of the local Catholic community, fostering unity through shared beliefs and a spirit of charity toward others.
