The Blessing of the New Construction

Fr. Khue, who heads the minor seminary for the Diocese of Phat Diem, is constructing a new building that will be three stories high and have sixty rooms. The entire third floor will be for retreatants. It will be quite the edifice.

 Fr. An running up the stairs to prepare for the procession.

 Three of the best seminarians lead the procession.

As always, the sisters preparing only the food I like...which is most everything.

We all gather on the foundation of the new building.

The bishop blesses the foundation with holy water and we all sing. There were many of the church elders present, both men and women.

This is a just completed arch. I always wondered how they did this, then I looked at the other side of the building.

I get it now.

Mass was held in the upper chapel. The music was wonderful. I am always impressed by the  beautiful woodwork in Vietnam. All of the doors and windows are constructed by hand and lacquered to harden them against the moisture.

Just the view from the second story. Not a bad thing to look at any time of the day.

Of course, being Catholic, it's all about praying and eating, and here we are eating after the mass. Thanks again to the wonderful sisters for the food, the seminarians for serving, and the priests for the great table conversation. Now it's back to shower and then leave for Hanoi. Thanks to everyone. I leave you until next year.