Cha Tam Church, A Catholic Trait Inside Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, the most bustling and vibrant city of Vietnam, is no longer strange to the domestic and international  tourists. Visiting this city is a wonderful discovery for people who want to explore the combination of modern life and old cultural values. Not only is Ho Chi Minh City attractive for its various means of entertainment but this city is also famous for the architecture that have become the symbols of Ho Chi Minh City. If you have a chance to Ho Chi Minh City, it is a great idea for you to visit Cha Tam Church, a unique church of local parishioners.

I. History of Cha Tam Church

Cha Tam Church, or Saint Francis Xavier Parish Church, is the first church for the Catholic parishioners of the local Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. Built at the beginning of the twentieth century, this church has witnessed the up and down in the history of Saigon, the former name of Ho Chi Minh City, or the Far-East Pearl as the French called at that time.

1. Who is Cha Tam?

Cha Tam is the Vietnamese name of Priest Pierre d’Assou, the first vicar of this church. He led its construction and played a key role in its founding. Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, he had deep knowledge of Chinese language and culture.

In the late 19th century, while serving at Saigon Cathedral, he saw a sharp decline in local Chinese and Vietnamese Catholics. They lacked a place to pray. Governor Lagrandière of South Vietnam ordered the church’s construction, hoping to revive the Chinese Catholic community.

Bishop Jean Pierre, the archdiocese of Saigon, assigned Priest Pierre d’Assou to oversee the project. He organized a donation drive, receiving support from Catholics, non-Catholics, local residents, and Chinese merchants.

2. The Construction of Cha Tam Church

In the center of Saigon, Cha Tam found a three-hectare plot of land owned by nine Chinese. The land had been fallow for 20 years, making it difficult to locate the owners and purchase it.

On December 3, 1900, during the feast of Saint Francis Xavier, construction began based on the design of Father John the Baptist Huynh Tinh Huong. Two years later, on January 10, 1902, the church was inaugurated with a solemn dedication of the chancel, attended by priests, parishioners, and government officials.

Alongside the church, Cha Tam also built a kindergarten, a boarding house, and rental homes to provide shelter for local Catholics.

3. Some Historical Events

In 1934, Priest Pierre d ‘Assou passed away and he was buried at the wall near the church entrance. After that, Cha Tam church witnessed the deterioration and the decrease in the number of parishioners. It was not until 1952 that the situation was solved by the priests from China.

In the following years, some other churches for Chinese were built in Saigon as well as the South of Vietnam. Up to present, Cha Tam Church has played an important role in administering the Catholic church for the Chinese in South Vietnam.

On November 1^st, 1963, a military coup broke out, President of Republic of Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem and his political adviser Ngo Dinh Nhu had to shelter in a house of a Chinese near the church. The next morning, they came to Cha Tam Church to pray then gave themselves to the coup faction, but both of them were killed on the way from the church to the General Staff.

II. Highlights of Cha Tam Church?

1. Structure

The grounds of St. Francis Xavier Parish Church are divided into many distinct constructions such as surrounding yard, house of charity, houses for rent, kindergarten, community house, school and meeting hall; each of which assumes different purposes.

A statue of Mary Mother stands in the center of the front yard inside a traditional Chinese-style house. Behind it, two reliefs show 120 Chinese Martyrs and 117 Vietnamese Martyrs. To the left, Saint Francis Xavier is honored in a yellow and white Gothic-style house. On the right, a statue of Jesus Christ stands on the cross.

The parish grounds have a yellow charity house, built over twenty years ago. It serves over 100 free meals daily to the elderly and poor. Free medical checkups happen weekly. Next to it, white rental houses have potted plants and flowers on their balconies.

To the left of the church is Thien Loc Kindergarten. On the right, the yellow three-story Francis Meeting House has eight classrooms and a hall for 400 people.

2. Architecture

The entire church is the harmonious combination of Chinese philosophy and Western architecture. The Gothic architect like many other churches and the traditional Chinese feature make it a unique appearance in comparison to many others in nearby areas.

2.1. Outside Cha Tam Church

The main gate is a triple-arched entrance inspired by Chinese symbolism, replacing dragons and the Sun with two carps and a Christian cross. Painted red and dark green, the narrow gate bears the church’s name in Vietnamese and Mandarin Chinese beneath its tiled roof.

From the entrance, the church’s Gothic features stand out with high arches, ventilation windows, and a soaring bell tower. Closer inspection reveals Vietnamese influences, such as lotus buds on cylindrical pillars, reflecting the principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements from the Yi Ching. Chinese-Vietnamese philosophy seamlessly merges with Western European architecture, making this church a standout in Ho Chi Minh City.

Father Huong designed the exterior in Western style while embedding ancient Chinese philosophy. The structure follows Yin-Yang principles, featuring two corridors on each side, four windows in the central tower, and an octagonal upper floor with eight windows. The roof is divided into eight sections, reinforcing the harmony of traditional Chinese beliefs.

2.2. Inside Cha Tam Church

The church’s interior follows the symmetry typical of Catholic architecture. The nave showcases Gothic elements with vaulted ceilings, green and white cylindrical pillars, and wooden furnishings, creating a familiar sanctuary ambiance.

Unique decorative details set Cha Tam Church apart. Above the central cross, the Chinese seal character “Phuoc” (Blessing) is displayed. Vermillion pillars, an uncommon color in Gothic design, flank the cross. Parallel inscriptions in Chinese on the central pillars encourage kindness and compassion.

III. What to Do at Cha Tam Church?

1. Taking Beautiful Photos

Cha Tam Church’s unique and solemn architecture makes it a great spot for memorable photos on your Ho Chi Minh City tour. The church is surrounded by a tranquil garden with colorful flowers and green trees. The yellow exterior walls and community house provide beautiful backdrops for photos.

2. Doing the Charity Work

The charity house at Cha Tam Church welcomes volunteers. You can help prepare and serve meals to the poor and elderly, fostering compassion and social responsibility.

3. Discovering the Neighborhood

Cha Tam Church is part of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, surrounded by temples and pagodas reflecting Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. After visiting the church, take a walk to explore the vibrant local community.

4. Enjoying Local Food

Nearby, Den Nam Ngon (“Five Lights”) Street offers traditional Chinese and local cuisine. Close to Kim Bien Market, you’ll find delicious and affordable dishes like stewed porridge, sweet fruit soup, beef offal, dumplings, popiah (sweet spring rolls), and hu tieu (noodles).

IV. How to Get to Cha Tam Church?

The church is located near the intersection of Hoc Lac Street and Tran Hung Dao Street. It is about six kilometers from Ben Thanh Market, so you can take a taxi or a Grab bike and you will reach the church in 20 minutes.

Besides, you can choose to go by bus with a cheaper price, about 10,000 VND. Some buses that go across Cha Tam Church are buses number 05, 54, 56, 68,103 and 139.

V. Tips on Visiting Cha Tam Church

There are some minor but necessary tips for your visit to Cha Tam Church:

• It would be better to visit the church on special occasions such as at Christmas, at weekend or some special ceremonies of Catholicism.
• Keep eye on your belongings. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are not only pickpockets but also street robbery.
• The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is quite hot, so remember to bring a hat or umbrella.
• Avoid going out at rush hour. It is a nightmare of locals and will waste you a lot of time.

Cha Tam Church is worth a visit to contemplate the exclusive architecture that you cannot find anywhere. Possessing a blend of European and Asian styles and an important part in the Chinese Catholic community, the church has contributed to the city’s fascinating culture, and become one of the must-to-visit destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.