HUYEN SY CHURCH

Huyen Sy Church (Cho Dui Parish), officially known as the Church of Saint Philip the Apostle, is a historic Catholic church with more than a century of history in Ho Chi Minh City. Located at 1 Ton That Tung Street, Ben Thanh Ward, it is the parish church of Cho Dui Parish, part of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. Renowned for its magnificent Gothic Revival architecture and rich Catholic heritage, Huyen Sy Church remains one of the city’s most important places of worship and a meaningful destination for pilgrims visiting southern Vietnam. 

Cho Dui Parish was established in 1859, making it one of the earliest Catholic parishes in Saigon. The present church was built between 1902 and 1905, following the design of Father Charles Bouttier, a French missionary well known for his architectural contributions in southern Vietnam.

The construction of the church was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Philippe Le Phat Dat, better known as Huyen Sy, one of the wealthiest and most influential Catholic benefactors in southern Vietnam during the late nineteenth century. He donated both the land and a significant portion of his fortune to build the church, which is why local people gradually came to know it simply as Huyen Sy Church. The church is dedicated to Saint Philip the Apostle, the patron saint of Huyen Sy himself.

Built in the Gothic Revival style, the church is distinguished by its soaring bell towers, elegant pointed arches, colorful stained-glass windows, and finely crafted granite details. The spacious church grounds create a peaceful atmosphere despite being surrounded by the vibrant streets of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Inside, visitors will also find the beautifully sculpted marble tombs of Huyen Sy and his wife, placed near the sanctuary as a lasting tribute to their generosity and devotion to the Church.

The church grounds include several places of devotion that are especially meaningful to pilgrims. In front of the church stands a monument to Saint Matthew Le Van Gam, one of the Vietnamese Martyrs. On the left side is a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, where many faithful come to pray and offer thanksgiving throughout the year, particularly on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on 11 February.

More than a century after its construction, Huyen Sy Church continues to reflect the enduring faith and generosity of Philippe Le Phat Dat, whose remarkable contribution helped shape the Catholic community of Saigon. Its beautiful architecture, historic significance, and peaceful atmosphere make it an essential stop for pilgrims exploring the Catholic heritage of southern Vietnam.