There are only 2 churches in Vietnam that worship Santa Claus, of which Nam Dinh has one church, which church is it?
Mai Chien
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 05:53 AM (GMT+7)
With unique architecture, Khoai Dong church worshiping Saint Nicolais, meaning Santa Claus, has become a “highlight” in the heart of Nam Dinh city, Nam Dinh province. On weekends, many parishioners come to church to read and pray…
CLIP: Khoai Dong Church (Nam Dinh city, Nam Dinh province) currently worships Saint Nicolais, aka Santa Claus. Video: Mai Chien.
Khoai Dong Church (Nguyen Du ward, Nam Dinh city, Nam Dinh province) was started construction in 1934 along with the Pontifical Seminary of Saint Alberto Ca (now Nguyen Van Cu Primary School) and Saint Pedagogical School. Thomas (now Nguyen Khuyen High School). Photo: Mai Chien.
The church has an area of 5,800 square meters, built by the Dominican Fathers with the effective collaboration of parishioners. Photo: Mai Chien.
Through observation, Khoai Dong church is designed according to ancient Gothic architecture, including a curved dome supported by a system of concrete beams winding along the roof to create a stable position. Photo: Mai Chien.
Notably, Khoai Dong church is one of only two churches in Vietnam worshiping Saint Nicolais, a saint who according to Catholic legend is Santa Claus. Photo: Mai Chien.
According to history, on the occasion of the Birthday of 1941, a Mass was solemnly celebrated for the first time here. The church is dedicated to the Queen of Martyrs because this church was built on the banks of the Vi Hoang River, where tens of thousands of anonymous heroes sacrificed their lives for the Faith and for the Vietnamese Church. Photo: Mai Chien.
From 1952 – 1954, Father GB Tran Muc Dich OP, a Vietnamese Dominican, came to be the vicar of the parish. After the historical event of 1954, foreign priests returned home, and Father Dich went to the South. From 1956 – 1958, Khoai Dong church did not have a priest in charge. Photo: Mai Chien.
In 1959 onwards, because of the war situation, Khoai Dong church no longer had a priest to serve, parishioners had to evacuate, some property, tables, chairs, and offerings were lost… Photo: Mai Chien.
Over a long period of time, Khoai Dong church also began to deteriorate. In 2010, the church asked the authorities for permission to renovate, with the purpose of allowing parishioners to attend the ceremony. In the photo, on the left is the completely renovated church; On the right is an unrenovated church. Photo: Mai Chien.
Up to now, after nearly 90 years of construction, experiencing many ups and downs and events of history and time, Khoai Dong church is still a “highlight” point in the landscape of Nam Dinh city. Documentary photo.
From the corner of Vi Xuyen Lake Park (Nam Dinh City), looking at the church, you can see the towering bell tower, the curved main dome, hearing the bell ringing in the middle of the bustling streets, people’s hearts feel more peaceful. , cleanse. Photo: Mai Chien.
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