Ky Dong Church

38 Đ. Kỳ Đồng, Phường 9, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Now Open

Description

The church was constructed between 1949 and 1952. The triangle blocks and semicircular door arches are particularly impressive, as is the figure of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the church’s patron saint. The inside of the church is modest yet serious. On the grounds of the chapel are the rock cave of Eve Maria and the miniature scene of Saint Alphonso, the founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. It is claimed that the church is a tranquil and holy location.

This renowned Saigon church features neoclassical architecture with triangle-shaped patterns and circular gateway arches. The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is situated between two great arches. The interior is airy, and the sacred area is basic yet nevertheless serious. On one side of the cathedral is a tiny shop selling a variety of items, including books, souvenirs, and candles of all forms and hues.

Architecture Of Ky Dong Church

The church is situated on a large campus with numerous trees. In contrast to other churches, the Ky Dong church combines ancient and contemporary architectural styles. The sides of the church lack intricate ornamental elements. However, the triangle blocks and semicircular door arches are still impressive. On the two major arches, a figure of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the church’s patron saint, is highlighted by the lack of ornamentation. The inside of the church is exceptionally spacious due to the absence of rows of hefty columns that obstruct the view. During the day, the cathedral is illuminated by light that enters via the cathedral’s windows. Despite having a modest architectural design, the church emanates seriousness. In addition to the main edifice, the church complex contains the rock cave of Eve Maria and a miniature tableau of Saint Alphonso. All make a heavenly land of peace.

History Of Ky Dong Church

In 1925, Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer of the World arrived in Vietnam, and in 1933, Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer of Saigon was established. Its objective was to proclaim the Gospel to the needy, promote devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and inaugurate Happy Weeks. The first building chosen as a monastery for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was located at 162 Paul Blanchy Street, next to Tan Dinh Church. It was donated by a woman of integrity. In 1937, the Congregation purchased a 2-hectare tract of property in District 3 from the Indochina bank in order to construct a new monastery. The monastery was constructed in 1938, finished in 1940, and opened for business in 1941. Next to the Monastery, the Temple of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was afterwards constructed.

Because the number of visitors to Our Lady continued to rise, the priests considered constructing a larger church. The new church (the current church) was constructed in 1949 and dedicated on August 3, 1952. Priest Reverend Beliemare (1946 – 1953) initiated construction and dedicated this church. The Building cost 5,000,000 French Indochinese piastres. In 1963, after 30 years in Saigon, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer established Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and transformed it into Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pilgrimage Center. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish is reportedly one of the youngest parishes in the Saigon Diocese.