In May, 1978, the Bishop of Saigon, Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, was sent by the Communist government to Giang Xa parish to live as a prisoner. He had already been prisoner for three years, having suffered solitary confinement and torture. Gian Xa was only a waystop for four years, as he was to be a prisoner until 1988.
Tan, Hoa, and I went to the parish to see where he lived those four years. At the time he was there, most of the Catholics were turned against religion. In fact, the authorities spread rumors that the man living there was an insurgent and it was only through the good heart of the government that he was allowed to live. He was allowed to live in one room, go to the bathroom, and cook and eat in another room. You can see his desk and his bed.
The present pastor of the parish greeted us and was our tour guide. We had ice water together and he was very happy to be there. Yes, that is a squirrel in the cage.
This is the small rectory, unchanged in the 80 years it has been there. The church is decidedly French in design and is dedicated to Mary. The interior has been recently redone and the doors are new.
Below is Tan with the President of the Parish Council who also welcomed us.
