St Francis Xavier Church: An iconic place of worship since 1902

Contents

Picture of St Francis Xavier Church (Source: Collected)

St Francis Xavier Church, also known as Cha Tam Church, is a historic landmark of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Church of St. Francis Xavier has been a place of prayer and devotion since 1902. Its impressive gothic-detailed architecture was designed by John the Baptist (Huynh Tinh Huong) and the Ho Chi Minh City Catholic church is esteemed to be one of the oldest surviving churches in the city.

1. About St Francis Xavier Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh city Vietnam

• History:

The church is dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of missionaries and travelers, who was sent to the Far East by the Spanish King in 1542 in an attempt to combine the cultures of the East and West.

In the late 19th century, Admiral La Grandiere, who was at that time governing the south of Vietnam, came across the first church of the Chinese people and noticed its small size and state of deterioration. There were no designated praying or Mass sites for Chinese and Vietnamese Christians in the regions. The number of Christians decreased drastically, prompting the order for the construction of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

With the financial support from the government and the Chinese, Priest Pierre d ‘Assou (commonly referred as Cha Tam by the local people), erected an establishment that would later be known as a famous church in Ho Chi Minh city and propagated Christianity in the region.

On the 3rd of December, 1900, also known as the celebration day of Saint Francisco Xavier, the commencement of the construction of Ho Chi Minh city catholic church was carried out. The erection of St Francis Xavier church took two years and its grand opening was held on the 10th of January in 1902.

Due to Priest Pierre d’ Assou’s (or Cha Tam) management and contribution to the church of St. Francis Xavier, people usually called the church Cha Tam Church.

• Location:

Located in the heart of the city near the famous Cho Lon (Big Market), the church stands on 25th Hoc Lac street, Ward 14, District 5 in Ho Chi Minh city – the intersection of Hoc Lac and Tran Hung Dao B streets.

Picture of St Francis Xavier Church’s Gate + intersection of Hoc Lac and Tran Hung Dao (Source: Collected)

2. How to get to St Francis Xavier Church?

Getting to the Church of Saint Francis Xavier is very easy! You can either use Google or get Grab! Simply search for “St Francis Xavier church” or “Tam Cha church” and voilá! You have arrived at the famous catholic church in Ho Chi Minh city Vietnam!

You can also take a bus to the Cho Lon bus station if you would like to experience the local public transportation! The St Francis Xavier church is only a 10-minute walk away from the bus stop and you can pick up some local snacks on your way to the church!

3. St Francis Xavier Church architecture: Things to explore

Before you reach the St Francis Xavier church, you will have to go through part of the Big Market (Cho Lon). The St Francis Xavier church is at the intersection of Hoc Lac and Tran Hung Dao B streets

• Outside:

Picture of St Francis Xavier Church’s Gate (Source: Collected)

Outside the St Francis Xavier Church you can notice a fairly big gate with three entrances called “Three Gates” – a name used for gates of most religious establishments in Asia. “Three entrances, a little too much, don’t you think?” is what most people would wonder. Here’s a fun fact!

“Three Gates” is generally a gate designed in the form of a decorated archway which includes three entrances, these represent the Gate of Emptiness, the Gate of No-Form, and the Gate of No-Desire (also known as Gate of No-Lust). – Three Gates of Liberation, which lead us to the “House of Nirvana.” The trinity also represents wisdom, great compassion, and expedience! In Asian culture, the gate is not simply a means of ingress, it is also a representation of something far more profound!

The curtilage of St. Francis Xavier church is separated into many areas that assume different purposes, such as a house of charity, rental housing, a kindergarten, a community house. a school and a meeting hall.

On your way in, you can observe the interior of St Francis Xavier church, the first thing that will grasp your attention is a statue of Virgin Mary, which is worshiped in an eye-catching oriental hexagonal Chinese gazebo. The gazebo’s foundation are six red round marble pillars ornamented with Chinese calligraphy. The roof, slightly curved towards the sky, is coated with verdant yin and yang tiles – representing balance. The staircase railing is carved with wavy cloud patterns – a symbol of good fortune. An intricate white marble dragon is carved in the central area of the staircase, also representing good fortune, and additionally, strength and health as it is considered as the male element Yang.

Picture of Mother Mary and the gazebo (Source: Collected)

Behind the statue, you will discover two gold-painted murals representing Chinese and Vietnamese martyrs. In front of the St Francis Xavier church, you can also find a statue of Jesus and Saint Francis Xavier.

• Inside:

Before setting foot into the church of St. Francis Xavier, you will be able to see the tomb of Pierre d ‘Assou. Entering the holy house, a wonderful antique interior design will catch your eye. The gothic vault should be the first to captivate your attention as you enter the church. Surrounding you will be white walls and pillars which are the foundation of St Francis Xavier church. Hanging on those walls, you can observe statues of Jesus, Mother Mary and St Francis Xavier. Directly in front of you will be the main altar – an exemplary West-meets-East design.

Main altar + St Francis Xavier church interior (Source: Collected)

4. When are the St Francis Xavier Church mass times?

St Francis Xavier Church mass times are a little bit different for each group of followers. If you are interested in joining different masses, refer to the following schedule:

• Vietnamese mass schedule
  • Monday – Friday: 5:30 AM
  • Saturday: 6:30 AM
  • Sunday: 5:30 AM, 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM
• Chinese mass schedule
  • Monday – Friday: 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 7:30 AM, 5:30 PM

• Eucharistic Adoration
  • Sunday: 2:30 PM

• Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (every Thursday before the first Friday of the month)
  • Saturday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Opening hours for non-catholic visitors
  • Everyday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

5. What to do during your tour to St Francis Xavier church?

If you haven’t thought about what to do in this bustling area already, here are some suggestions!

5.1. Do charity works with parishioners

Since you are going to visit the St Francis Xavier church, why not stop by the Charity house which lies in its grounds and assist parishioners with their work? Over 100 free meals are given to needy seniors and the poverty-stricken locals everyday. It is also a place where free medical appointments are organized every week. Make sure to stop by and express friendliness, generosity and kindness! A good deed never goes unpunished because it brightens the world and soothes one’s heart!

Charity event picture (Source: Collected)

5.2. Take stunning photos in the St Francis Xavier church

How to best describe your trip to this wonderful religious construction? Well, through pictures, of course! The distinctive decorations and unique scenery are perfect for capturing memorable moments in Ho Chi Minh city with your loved ones! Whether it’s on the pavillion with Mother Mary, in front of the “Three Gates” gate, inside the St Francis Xavier church, or beside the Gold-painted murals, you are guaranteed to experience some of the most remarkable moments of visiting Ho Chi Minh city in general and the St Francis Xavier church in particular!

5.3. Explore other attractions in Chinatown

Don’t forget to explore the St Francis Xavier church neighborhood! Being a part of Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, there are many temples and pagodas surrounding the St Francis Xavier Catholic church.

Chinatown is also the home of the prominent Lantern Streets! Grab yourself a traditional Chinese costume and immerse yourself in Asian culture!

Lantern Streets (Source: Collected)

While having fun in Chinatown, make certain to pay a visit to Binh Tay Market where you can buy souvenirs and fill your belly with the most delectable foods! Here are some dishes you should definitely try!

• Fish Noodle Soup 
• Stewed Duck Noodle Soup
• Jiao Zi
• Chili Paste Noodle Soup

Delicious fish noodle soup! (Source: Collected)

6. What should you prepare while visiting St Francis Xavier church?

• Make sure to pack a pair of comfortable shoes to walk around with ease! 
• Keep an eye on your belongings. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are not only pickpockets but also street robberies.
• The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is quite hot, so remember to bring a hat or umbrella.
• Avoid going out during rush hours when the traffic is dreadful and transportation prices surge.
• When visiting pagodas and churches, be sure to dress properly or you will not be allowed to enter.
• Be certain to have cash on you if you want to enjoy the local street food.

Besides Saigon’s St Francis Xavier church, many tourists also visit Phu Quoc, Nha Trang for their mesmerizing natural scenery and Hoi An, Da Nang for their ancient and beautiful architecture. 

Luxurious Vinpearl hotels and resorts offer top-notch amenities, and excellent customer service! From swimming and lounging to fine dining, Vinpearl is here to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay for its customers! 

Additionally, experience a world-class recreation brought by VinWonders! VinWonders offers green jungles, stunning beaches and ancient architecture, enriched by history! Explore vibrant cities and enjoy the breathtaking views of Vietnam! From cultural activities to outdoor adventures, there is always something for everyone at VinWonders!

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An to revitalize after a long day of traveling!

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An today for an incredible traveling experience and lifetime memories!

With an exceptional and unique architectural design, St Francis Xavier church is a perfect reflection of West-meets-East religion and culture. This historic building is also a great place to grasp some knowledge about the local’s religious beliefs and admire the architecture as well as the rich history. Hopefully, the article above has helped with planning your trip to visit the marvelous church Saint Francis Xavier, one of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of these premises with your loved ones and ease your mind as you embrace the St Francis Xavier church’s profound history! For the convenience of booking, please refer here for the most favorable accommodation to enjoy your excursion.

Grab the hottest deals at VinWonders!