There has been much demolition of old buildings and the building of three new big ones. On the right is the pilgrim center when people can stay when they visit the cathedral. The center is the new parish center, and on the left is going to be the rectory and parish office.
Here is a better view of the parish center (left) and pilgrim center. Notice the walkways on the outside to shield the rooms from the sun and collect the breezes Phat Diem is known for.
A closer view of the parish center. Those bamboo poles are where trees are going to be planted. And why the bamboo poles? They were used for building the traditional way, as scaffolding. Cheap and reliable (just don't tell OSHA).
Finally, a view from the parish center of the expanse of concrete that will be used for parking cars and tour buses. This parking lot will provide easy access to the cathedral grounds while keeping traffic manageable. Bishop Joseph assures me that the move in date will be before September. Oh, and they already have a spot where a soup kitchen for the poor will be built. With Catholics, it's always about the poor and vulnerable.
Within a few hours from Phat Diem is Cu Phuong National Park. It was formed in 1962 by Ho Chi Minh. Consisting of two whole mountain ranges,...
Now to get down to work. These are mostly the same guys I had in class two years ago, so it was a true reunion. While they are now at diff...