Wednesday night I went with Hien to see the new church being built in Hoa Lac parish. It is in the same style as the cathedral, all stone, brick ironwood, and cement. There are tremendous master craftsmen brought in from all around to construct this magnificent traditional building. No nails will be used anywhere.
The bell had just been installed last week and blessed. It was made in the traditional way using millennia old techniques in the former capital of Hue. The bell is tuned higher than its ancient twin at the cathedral so that they will each have a distinct character. It is a marvel of engineering and a sight to behold.
Here is a close view. The writing names the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), each facing one direction of the compass. The clapper is solid wood with a leather head that is moved manually and hits directly on the convex dot. In a few years the metal will turn a deep shade of brown.
The view from the tower left me breathless. You see for mile even though it was cloudy and rainy. On a beautiful day this would be the place to just sit with a cool drink and be.
From the tower you have a straight on view of the roof of the church. The tile are individually made by hand and stamped underneath with the seal of the shop.
In the summer there are no activities for the child's. In the village so they become involved with a scouts-organization run by the church. They play games, sing songs, eat together, and are allowed to just be kids but have supervision. This day they stayed for mass and I had a meet and greet with the, answering questions and having fun.
In the end I posed with the high school dancers, the chaperones, and father. Wow, was there energy in that church with all those kids.
Here is Nam Vu working his keyboard. Now entering 8th grade, he is quite the conversationalist. It's hard to believe that I have kn...