Special things about Bao Nham Parish

The origin of faith

The baptism ceremony for newborns at Bao Nham Stone Church, a sacred ritual, takes place about once every 2 months. The ceremony starts at 3pm on Sunday, but from 2pm, fathers and mothers in neat white shirts have brought their children. In the murmur of prayers, tiny newborn babies dressed in pure white clothes, sleep soundly in their parents' arms. This is the first Mass in their lives - where faith is planted and grows in each soul.

In the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the church, each ritual was performed one by one with the emotion of the participants. When the children's saint names were announced by the parish priest, when the baptism, anointing, and candle-lighting rituals were performed, that moment seemed to stop in time. "The people of Bao Nham are always proud of their homeland's traditions and wish to be forever attached to their parish" - Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh (born 2002), who was born and raised in Bao Nham, shared.

That desire for solidarity is reflected in every action of the people here. Every Sunday, young people of Bao Nham Parish from all over the country come together to clean up around the church, study catechism together, participate in community activities, and participate in movements initiated by the Parish...

Introducing his community, Nguyen Thien Toi (11th grade student) - Head of the Holy Oath Youth Group of Bao Nham Parish shared: “Bao Nham Parish has more than 3,000 parishioners and more than 1/3 of them are young people, participating in the Holy Oath Youth Group, dividing scarves according to different ages. This is not only a community for us to learn, cultivate, and train ourselves, but also a place where young people find a healthy environment to connect with each other to do meaningful things, livegood life, good religion”.

Pride of the young

“I cannot express my pride in Bao Nham parish. Wherever I go, whatever I do, I am always proud to introduce to everyone that I am from here, that this place is very beautiful, very peaceful, the people are kind and hospitable…” – Kim Oanh shared.

The beauty that Oanh is proudly talking about is something that can be easily felt by anyone who has ever been here. Bao Nham Stone Church is not only famous in the region but also famous throughout the country. Bao Nham has even welcomed many foreign delegations to visit and admire.

Bao Nham Stone Church is built entirely of monolithic stone. Interspersed with the majestic and solid beauty of these stone blocks are the soft details, the sophisticated and artistic lines of the stained glass windows, the pyramid roofs, the Gothic-style patterns, both classic and mysterious, full of charm.

When mentioning the Bao Nham stone church complex, it is impossible not to mention the Bao Nham rock cliff, located 200m from the church. Nguyen Thien Toi introduced: “If you come to Bao Nham parish without visiting the cliff, the trip will not be complete. We were told that the cliff has a history dating back to 1885. In 1950, the Lourdes Bao Nham cliff was inaugurated with many miniature landscape works and statues along the steps. Up to now, the cliff has gradually become the pilgrimage center of Vinh diocese and is a destination for many tourists who love to explore”.

With faith and honesty nurtured through many generations, young people like Oanh and Toi are also proud of the tradition of solidarity and mutual love of their country.ParishThis is demonstrated by the cooperation and dedication of all people in church activities, especially charity programs to help people in difficult circumstances, regardless of religion or belief.

Most recently, during the flash flood disaster in the North, Bao Nham parish not only provided material support but also prayed for people in the flood-affected areas to overcome difficulties.

“We are taught about patriotism, love for the people and always pray for peace in Vietnam, for the people to be prosperous, for the world to live in peace…” – Oanh proudly shared.

With the same pride, Oanh talked about the new church, the electricity, and the civil works contributed by parishioners. The young girl was waiting to study abroad in Germany, where many new opportunities were opening up. But Oanh knew, and all her relatives knew, that no matter how wonderful life in a foreign land was, it would never compare to that of home.

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In Bao Thanh commune, Bao Nham is always the leading parish in implementing the tasks of local government, ensuring solidarity between Catholics and non-Catholics, the religious committee maintains close and intimate coordination with the Party committee, government, departments, and organizations. The exemplary behavior of the leaders has created a peaceful and honest community.

Mr. Ho Xuan Van - Secretary of the Party Committee of Bao Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district