A BRIEF INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE VIETNAMESE MARTYRS PROVINCE AND SOME TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN VIETNAM
Vietnam on a World Map is a beautiful Southeast Asian country with a distinct S-shaped geography. Vietnam is a country located on the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, at the heart of Southeast Asia. With an area of 331,212 square kilometers, Vietnam shares land borders of 4,639 kilometers, including the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, the Gulf of Tonkin and the East Sea to the east, China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west.
The current population of Vietnam is 99,676,269 people as of June 20, 2023, according to the latest data from the United Nations. Vietnam's population currently represents 1.24% of the world's population. Vietnam ranks 15th in the world in terms of population among countries and territories. The population density of Vietnam is 321 people per square kilometer, and 38.77% of the population lives in urban areas. The average age in Vietnam is 33.7 years. Catholics make up 7% of the country's population.
Vietnam has the fifth largest percentage of Catholics in the total population in Asia (after East Timor, the Philippines, Lebanon and South Korea). In terms of the number of Catholics, Vietnam also ranks fifth in Asia (after the Philippines, India, China and Indonesia).
Currently, Vietnam has a total of 27 dioceses, including 3 archdioceses and 24 dioceses. Vietnam has about 200 Religious Orders and Congregations serving in many fields and present in all dioceses.
The first SSS community at Khiet Tam, Thu Duc, in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, was signed to be established according to Canon Law on February 5, 1973 by the General Superior H. Verhoeven. Up to now, the Vietnamese Province has 11 communities officially present in 7 dioceses: Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ban Me Thuot, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Cuong, Xuan Loc.
A. MEMBERS
Up to now, The Vietnamese Province has a number of members:
- 175 Religious (93 Priests, 9 Deacons, 23 Perpetual Vowed Religious, 7 Perpetual Vowed Lay Brothers, 43 Temporal Vowed Religious)
- 22 Novices
- 11 Postulants
- 40 Aspirants
B. MISSION
The religious of our province have been sent to minister to all parts of the country, stretching from the North to the South. We work with 8875 Associates in 91 parishes in 18 dioceses. We have also sent them to serve in foreign countries like Italy, Australia, America, and to mission in Taiwan.
Thank God for has been nurturing and caring for the past 50 years so that the Vietnamese Province can take root and spread throughout all parts of this beloved country of Vietnam and even reach out to remote areas of the world. May the mission of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation is strengthened so that the Eucharistic Christ may be glorified.
C. HOUSES AND SATELLITE COMMUNITIES
The Vietnamese Province currently consists of 11 official Houses established according to Canon Law, which are:
1. The Provincialate, in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.
Right from the early days when the Blessed Sacrament Congregation came to Vietnam, Khiet Tam was the first community which had 4 priests who both took care of the parish and recruited vocations to form and develop the Congregation. The House of Khiet Tam was established on February 5, 1973, which was a dependent community of the Generalate. This small community gradually grew over time and developed into a Region. When becoming a Region, the Regional community was separated from Khiet Tam community to become a administrative community. The Region officially became a Province on February 5, 2008. Currently, the Provincialate consists of 18 members, including those in the Administration Board, in charge of committees and in retirement.
2. The House of Khiet Tam, at Khiet Tam Parish, Thu Duc, Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.
The House of Khiet Tam was established on February 5, 1973. This is an apostolic community. Currently, this community has 4 priests and 2 deacons doing pastoral work at Khiet Tam parish, in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. There are also 11 Postulants staying in this community.
3. The Scholasticate, in downtown, in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Scholasticate was moved from Khiet Tam, Thu Duc to its current location in 1994. Currently, this formation house is a community of 4 priests and 53 students. The Scholasticate is located in the city center so it is very convenient for the students to go to academic centers to study philosophy and theology. In addition, they also study other specialties to support their future pastoral work.
4. The House of Long Thanh My, in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.
The House of Long Thanh My was established on March 31, 2009. This is an apostolic community serving Long Thanh My parish, a suburban parish in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. This community currently has 3 priests and 2 brothers.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s commercial hub and a busy city with motorbikes honking in all directions. This developing metropolitan is famous for its exceptional Vietnamese cuisines, trendy cafes and sky bars, hidden charms, and the desired shopping destination. Top tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are:
1. Notre Dame Cathedral:
Notre Dame Cathedral Vietnam is honored as one of the world's 19 most majestic cathedrals, the only representative from Southeast Asia. This long-lasting masterpiece, seen as the architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, hosts a flock of new tourists every day who seek ancient grandeur, holiness, and enchanting photography spots.
Besides having the vibrancy of a financial hub, Ho Chi Minh City retains historical vestiges captivating both domestic and international tourists. Standing out in the heart of the city, Notre Dame Cathedral Vietnam is not only a sought-after attraction in Saigon but also the most emblematic landmark in the country, let alone the city.
2. Ben Thanh Market:
This big and bustling market, located in the heart of the glitzy city centre, draws millions of tourists on an annual basis. Built in 1870 by the French, the market was initially called Les Halles Centrales before being renamed Ben Thanh in 1912. From a wet market created by street vendors by the early 17th century, Ben Thanh has experienced many ups and downs throughout its history, and is now the oldest surviving market and one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh City. That makes it a must for any visitors travelling to this 300-year-old city.
5. The House of Hai Duong, in the Diocese of Xuan Loc.
The House of Hai Duong is one of the first two communities established when the Congregation came to Vietnam. Hai Duong Church was formerly a shrine to honor the four martyrs. This is a shrine built by the parishioners who migrated from North to South in 1954. This shrine is for honoring four saints who were martyred in the parishioners’ homeland in the North of Vietnam. Currently, Hai Duong is a small parish in Xuan Loc diocese. This parish was permanently assigned to the care of the SSS. Hai Duong Community has 4 priests serving the parish and 10 sick and retired priests.
6. The House of An Phu, in the Diocese of Phu Cuong.
The House of An Phu House was established on March 31, 2009. There are currently 4 priests, 1 deacon and 1 brother living in this house. This is an apostolic community serving An Phu parish. This parish was established by the Congregation to serve workers in the area.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
If you go to Hai Duong Community, from here it only takes you 1 hour and 30 minutes by car to Vung Tau. This is a tourist area with beautiful beaches in Southern Vietnam. Coming here, you will see white sand beaches stretching beside clear blue water. Sitting on the beach watching the silvery waves will make you forget the worries of life and immerse yourself in nature. That's when you can enjoy peaceful moments beside the water and clouds. There's nothing better than welcoming the sunrise and watching the sunset over the sea. Coming here, you will also enjoy fresh seafood dishes prepared by skilled local chefs. If possible, please take some time to enjoy the beauty of this place.
7. The House of Ban Me Thuot, in the Diocese of Ban Me Thuot.
The House of Ban Me Thuot was established on March 31, 2009. This community is located near Ban Me Thuot City. Currently, there are 4 priests, 1 deacon and 1 brother living in this house. Our SSS religious here often help with pastoral work in neighboring parishes and do our mission to help the Associates in the area.
8. Long Dien, in Binh Phuoc Province, in the Diocese of Ban Me Thuot.
The House of Long Dien was established on March 31, 2009. There are currently 4 priests and 1 brother living in this house. This is a community that lives among the poor. Our religious work with their hands like the farmers here. This community lives on the agricultural products that they have worked hard to get them. Priests in the community often come to share pastoral work with parish priests in the area.
9. The Noviciate, in Bao Loc, in the Diocese of Da Lat.
The Novitiate was officially established in July 1992 at Khiet Tam. Afterwards, the Novitiate was moved to Hai Duong in 1999. On March 1, 2019, the General signed a decision allowing the Novitiate to relocate to its current location in the rural area of Dai Lao commune,. in Bao Loc City, Lam Dong Province. This is a cultivated land for growing coffee and some tropical fruit trees with more than 6 hectares. This place has a cool and quiet climate, suitable for Novices to enter the 2-year formation program of the Novitiate, called the "Death" in oder to become SSS religious who share the "Resurrection" life with Christ through the 3 Vows. Currently, the Novitiate has 3 priests and 22 novices, 10 in the 1st year and 12 in the 2nd year.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
From our Noviciate, it is over 100 km, you can travel to Da Lat City. Dalat is one of the most famous tourist cities in Vietnam. Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, Dalat of Vietnam not only touches the hearts of visitors for the beautiful landscape as a paradise, but also for the cool and comfortable climate. The landscapes in Dalat look like a pretty girl, dreamed inside and wild outside, easily attract visitors at first sight. Dalat is also known by other names such as City of Flowers, City of Love, City of Spring, City of Fog. With romantic beauty, wild beauty and nostalgic beauty, Dalat, Vietnam will be an ideal place to cultivate the love of anyone.
10. An Ngai, in the Diocese of Da Nang.
An Ngai House was established on March 26, 2019. There are currently 4 priests living in this house. This is an apostolic community serving An Ngai parish. This parish is located on the outskirts of Da Nang City. There are many poor workers from other places who come to work and live in this area. Therefore, the mission of our religious here is to take care of the spiritual life of the poor and teach catechism to their children.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
Da Nang Vietnam is always one of the top choices for travel enthusiasts. Not only is it famous for its stunning landscapes but it also allures tourists thanks to its friendly locals and delicious specialties. Located in the South Central region, about 961 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City to the South, Da Nang has various topographical features including mountains, plains and beaches, which create many enchanting landscapes. In particular, it is surrounded by 3 world cultural heritages: Hue, Hoi An and My Son. Da Nang is a major economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological center of the Central - Central Highlands regions of Vietnam. Not only being a famous tourist destination, it is also a transportation corridor between the North and the South of Vietnam, an important gateway to the Northern, Southern and Central provinces.
11. The House of Cuu Vien, in the Diocese of Hai Phong.
Cuu Vien is a small parish with 8 missions, located in the center area of Hai Phong city, belonging to Hai Phong Diocese. This parish was established more than a hundred years ago, but with the historical event that divided the country into two parts in 1954, the majority of the Catholic in this parish migrated to the South to make a living, so only a few remained. This very small group has stayed to keep the land, the village and the church. For a long time there was no pastor, the parishioners gathered together every Sunday to pray in order to help each other to keep their faith. Only on Christmas, Easter and other feasts a priest in the other parish came to celebrate Mass at this place.
Bishop of this diocese invited us to send priests to take care of this parish in 2002. The House of Cuu Vien was officially established by the General according to Canon Law on March 31, 2009. Currently, there is 4 priests are living and doing pastoral work in this parish.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
Recognized by UNESCO twice as a World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is among top-notch destinations in Vietnam for domestic and foreign tourists with a fantastic blend of pristine natural beauty and effervescent city vibe. Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. The extension of the property comprises a multitude of limestone islands and towering limestone pillars rising from the sea, with eroded notches, arches and caves creating a picturesque and beautiful landscape. Halong Bay is surrounded by Bai Tu Long Bay in the Northeast, Cat Ba Archipelago and Lan Ha Bay in the South and the East. Halong Bay is in Quang Ninh province, which is about 170km from Hanoi and 70km from Hai Phong.
VAN MIEU QUOC TU GIAM – THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE
Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam is Vietnam’s first university and built at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, the temple still contains records of the university’s graduates, some dating back almost a thousand years.
Few truly historic buildings exist in Vietnam, which makes Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (the Temple of Literature) extra special. First built as a Confucian temple in 1070 AD, it became Vietnam’s first university and operated as one for more than 700 years.
The first university in Vietnam – Quoc Tu Giam, is an exciting and prominent tourist destination in Hanoi. During the reign of the ancient King, several constructions were built. This place has been and is a destination for tourists passionate about history, about the beauty of the country.
HOAN KIEM LAKE
Located right in the center of the capital of Vietnam, Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi is famous for its peaceful beauty, its cultural as well as historical values. Many beautiful words are used to describe the beauty of the lake such as picturesque, magnificent, dreamy, mysterious,… Its unique beauty attracts a lot of tourists each year, not only Vietnamese but also many foreigners. That’s why Hoan Kiem lake is always one of the top choices when choosing the places to visit in Hanoi.
SATTELITE COMMUNITIES:
1. The sattelite community of Long Dai, in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.
Long Dai, a sattelite community is a community directly under Long Thanh My House. There is a priest and a brother who are present and serving in this poor and small parish in the border area of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. Our religious have been serving here for a long time. It was officially established according to Canon Law by the General Superior on March 31, 2009.
2. An Loc, in the Diocese of Bui Chu.
Sattelite community of An Loc belongs to the Provincialate. There are currently 3 young and dynamic priests here. The community serves at a mission in a big parish. In addition, the priests also come to share pastoral work with the parish priests and help the Associates in the area.
3. Phong Lam, Diocese of Bui Chu, under the Provincialate.
Phong Lam is a parish in the suburbs of Nam Dinh Province in the diocese of Bui Chu. This is a small and poor rural parish. People live by farming, so life is quite difficult and hard working. There are currently 2 priests serving in this parish. This is a community directly under the Provincialate.
4. The satellite community of Xuan Son, in the Diocese of Ha Tinh
Xuan Son is a poor parish in the mountainous area of Ha Tinh diocese. This is a remote village surrounded by hills and mountains. The surrounding scenery is so poetic. The people live a simple, gentle, rustic and simple life. The Province has just accepted to send our religious to this diocese. We appointed 1 priest and 1 deacon to serve in this parish. This sattlite community depends on the Provincialate.
5. The satellite community of Gia Lai, in Diocese of Kontum.
Gia Lai is a dependant house under the Provincialate. This house locates in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Our religious here live a simple, poor life, work with their hands like farmers in the region and do missionary work for the ethnic people. The community owns a large coffee farm. Currently, there are 5 priests, 1 deacon, 2 brothers. We send 3 priests to do pastoral work in parishes in the area.
D. MISSION
The religious of our province have been sent to minister to all parts of the country, stretching from the North to the South. We work with 8875 Associates in 91 parishes in 18 dioceses. We have also sent them to serve in foreign countries like Italy, Australia, America, and to mission in Taiwan.
Thank God for has been nurturing and caring for the past 50 years so that the Vietnamese Province can take root and spread throughout all parts of this beloved country of Vietnam and even reach out to remote areas of the world. May the mission of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation is strengthened so that the Eucharistic Christ may be glorified.
With this short video, we are pleased to introduce to you The Vietnamese Province and some typical tourist attractions of Vietnam that are located near our communities. We invite you to visit Vietnam to discover interesting things about the people and landscape of this beautiful country. We look forward to welcoming you.