A collection of valuable ancient catholic worshiping items was recently displayed at an exhibition at the old space of the traditional house of Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese at No.6 Ton Duc Thang in District 1. The exhibition imparted a message of preserving Catholic and national culture.
Priest Triet added that it is the most unique in Vietnam and the world as it was designed in the style of Vietnamese culture but was inlaid with catholic images. On the altar is a Bien Hoa pottery statue of Mother Mary. It is a precious statue because famous pottery kilns of Cay Mai, Lai Thieu, Bien Hoa rarely made catholic worshiping objects.
Priest Triet added that it is the most unique in Vietnam and the world as it was designed in the style of Vietnamese culture but was inlaid with catholic images. On the altar is a Bien Hoa pottery statue of Mother Mary. It is a precious statue because famous pottery kilns of Cay Mai, Lai Thieu, Bien Hoa rarely made catholic worshiping objects.
 The “Catholic Worshipping Items” exhibition is displayed at the traditional house of Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  The “Catholic Worshipping Items” exhibition attracts a lot of visitors. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  More than 200 artifacts used in Catholic rituals are showcased at the exhibition. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  Priest Nguyen Huu Triet introduces the “Catholic Worshipping Items” exhibition. Photo: Thanh Dat/VNP |
Many objects in the collection show the integration of Oriental and Western culture, such as a baby Jesus statue wearing a long dress in the Oriental style. Viewers can also see the combination of four religions of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Catholicism.
The exhibition also fascinated viewers with foreign catholic items, such as the statue of Mother Mary originating from Italy in the 19th century. The statue was made of marble with delicate details.
Nguyen Khac Tam, a parishioner said: “The collection includes valuable objects, representing catholic worshipping items which are embellished with Vietnamese culture. I am really impressed by the beautiful alter made from precious wood”.
 A wooden statue of Mother Mary made in Dang Ngoai (Outer Region) in the 18th century. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  A set of Christmas statues made of terra cotta in France in the 19th century. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  A terra cotta statue of Christ made by Pho Trong (Phat Diem Church) in 1925. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  A statue of Mother Mary made of bronze in France in the 19th century. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  A set of eight weapons for decoration made of red and gilt wood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Photo: Nguyen Luang/VNP  A wooden statue of Our Lady of La Vang. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  Bronze candle stands made in Europe in the 19th century. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  A wooden statue of babyJesus made in 1970s. photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  A cross with nacre inlays. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP  Bronze monstrance made in France in early 20th century. Photo: Thanh Dat/VNP  A statue of Jesus Christ made of wood and papier-mâché. Photo: Thanh Dat/VNP  A wooden statue of Mother Mary and Jesus Christ. Photo: Thanh Dat/VNP  A pottery statue of Saint Peter. Photo: Thanh Dat/VNP  A wooden relief with image of Jesus. Photo: Thanh Dat/VNP |
Story: Thanh Dat
Photos: Nguyen Luan &Thanh Dat
Photos: Nguyen Luan &Thanh Dat
