I came to Mang Lang Church on a sunny day, when purple clusters of Lagerstroemia trees cast shadows across the sky. The church appeared majestic, making me feel like I was lost in a strange space - where only silence and peace were present through the walls covered in the color of time.
Gothic architecture in the heart of the Central region
With the typical ancient features of a building over a hundred years old, Mang Lang Church easily reminds people of classical European cathedrals with outstanding features of unique Gothic architecture such as high domes, large stained glass windows, and a large, airy space inside the cathedral.
Not named after a saint like the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Ho Chi Minh City or after the place where it was built like Phat Diem Church in Ninh Binh, the name "Mang Lang" of the church originates from the name of a tree with purple flowers. According to many sources and elders here, the area where the church was built was originally a forest with many Mang Lang trees growing, so when building the church, the local people chose the name "Mang Lang" to name the church as a way to remember and honor the tree associated with their lives and culture. Today, although the traces of the Magnolia forest no longer exist, the "memory" of this tree species is still preserved through the name of this special religious building.
Built in 1892, after more than 120 years of existence, this unique religious building is a strong testament to the influence of localized Western architecture.
The impressive highlight of the building is the large cross on the facade, on both sides are symmetrical bell towers rising high, creating a balance that is both strong and solemn. From afar, the church looks like a stone crown in the middle of a large space of more than 5,000m², making it impossible for visitors not to stop to admire and explore.
Each window here is like an eye watching the flow of time, witnessing many generations visiting this building. They do not come only because of the curiosity of a tourist or the spirit of a praying believer, but more than that, they come because this place is a part of the historical and cultural puzzle of Vietnam.
If the historical aspect is preserved in each moss-covered wall, each patch of restoration due to age, the cultural aspect is preserved in the first book written in Vietnamese national language - "Eight-day Sermon" by Alexandre de Rhodes. This special book is currently on display at Mang Lang Church, attracting those who want to learn about the origin and development of the national language.
Visit in the Holy Year 2025
The year 2025 was chosen by the Catholic Church as the Holy Year - the Year of grace and pilgrimage, and Mang Lang Church became a sacred destination for many believers on their journey back to their roots. At this special time, the atmosphere in the church is more sacred, solemn but still gentle.
Not only religious believers, but also ordinary tourists can easily feel the tranquility, hospitality and depth of local culture. Small ceremonies, ringing bells, the silhouettes of alba and vestments quietly passing through the yard... all make people want to sit a little longer, to breathe more lightly and look at life with gentler eyes.
When I walked through the main door, I put my hand on the cold stone wall. It felt like I was touching a wordless history - where the national language was first formed, where the sound of prayer echoed from the previous century and has never been lost.
Conclusion
Mang Lang Church is not as splendid as a famous place, nor as bustling as the old town. But with its long history, unique architecture and role in preserving the national language, this place deserves to be a heritage touch point - not only for Catholics, but for anyone who loves history and culture.
If you have the opportunity to visit Dak Lak province (formerly Phu Yen area), take some time to visit Mang Lang church. No need to bring much luggage - just a quiet enough soul to listen, because there are places that are not bustling, not noisy, but still make people remember forever.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Giang Huynh
- Design: Phuong Nguyen