After 54, the Dong Nai area in general, and Bien Hoa city in particular, had a large concentration of Catholics. Although there are no official statistics on the total number of Catholics, visitors passing by here can clearly feel the Catholic spirit through the dense presence of churches and chapels.
As a lover of architecture and religious history, and at the invitation of a friend, Thinh went to Bien Hoa to learn about some of the prominent churches here.
Hoa Binh Parish Church (Bien Hoa, Dong Nai)
Hoa Binh Parish was established in August 1955 in Ho Nai, Bien Hoa. The first church was built from an old wooden warehouse. The main church has also been rebuilt many times. After four reconstructions, the last in 2006, it has created a spacious and spacious facade. The most prominent and attractive feature of this church is the fusion of Asia and Europe.
The curved dome of the Peace Church.
The church is a place where two Asian and European architectural styles intersect.
The curved domes and red bricks, symbols of Eastern architecture and culture, make us feel like we are standing in the space of a pagoda or temple. Eastern culture is also clearly shown through the carvings and decorations in the church grounds. However, in the midst of that Eastern space, it is where Catholics express their absolute faith and love in God and the Virgin Mary.
Hoa Binh Church has undergone many renovations, the last in 2006. It is the place of worship for nearly 8,000 parishioners in this area.
The highlight of the project is a 9-storey bell tower. The number 9, according to Eastern beliefs, symbolizes luck and fullness. The Cross sits atop the tower, which is also the highest point of the entire area. What a more beautiful juxtaposition!
The bell tower is the symbol of the building.
The weight of the structure is supported by sturdy columns, another important element of ancient Asian architecture.
The clash of cultures always creates shocks, and vibrations too.
Dong Vinh Parish Church (Trang Bom, Dong Nai)
Dong Vinh Church was inaugurated in May 2018, after 6 years of construction. Although the church grounds are not very spacious, but with European architectural design and main construction materials from Magma stone, strong decorative lines, curved arched windows, ... make the building have a majestic appearance mixed with a bit of dreaminess.
Construction began in 2012, Dong Vinh stone church was inaugurated after 6 years of construction, with a length of 55m and a width of 24m. To visit the church, you will have to go deep into small alleys, and the best way to avoid getting lost is to ask the locals. The church is located deep in a residential area, this area has many wood workshops.
From afar, the dominant gray-black color of the towering stone blocks makes the parish building exude splendor and magnificence.
The locals call this place “the most beautiful stone church in Bien Hoa”. That probably says a lot.
Because it is built entirely of magma rock, people here also liken it to a "fortress" or "castle".
This is probably one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the South.
About the author:Thinh, a writer on cultural geography, currently lives and works in Ho Chi Minh City. Thinh is a storyteller, through articles, photo collections or reports. The author's stories are very personal shares from his personal perspective and feelings during his journeys everywhere.
