A Full Travel Guide to Tac Say Church in Bac Lieu
The Tac Say Church is one of the impressive attractions in Bac Lieu province. It's associated with touching stories about the life of Father Truong Buu Diep, who played a significant role in the Catholic community in this area. Let's explore more about this Tac Say Church in Bac Lieu with Vietnam Budget Carrental.
Best time to visit Bac Lieu?
If you want to see Bac Lieu, you should go around the 8th lunar month, when the longan orchards are picking their fruit. This is the perfect time to visit Bac Lieu because you can see the longan orchards and eat the sweet, ripe longans right there in the field.
The Ok Om Bok Festival is also held every year in the 10th lunar month. It is one of the three most important holidays for the Khmer people. You can go to Bac Lieu at this time to enjoy the event.
Where is Tac Say Church located?
Tac Say Church, also known as Father Diep's Church, is situated at Ap 2, QL1A, Tan Phong Commune, Gia Rai District, Bac Lieu Province. The church is about 37 kilometers away from the city center of Bac Lieu. The name "Tac Say" of the church originates from the abundance of rattan palms surrounding the area and an additional shortcut path leading to the church, hence the local residents call it the Tac Say Church.
The Story of Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep
The Tac Say Church belongs to the Bạc Liêu Diocese, founded by Father Jules Ducquet from France. In 1925, the church officially began construction under the management of Father Paul Tran Minh Kinh.
By March 1930, Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep became the new head of the Tac Say parish. He was the one who relocated the main area to its current location.
Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep was ordained as a priest in 1924 at the Major Seminary in Nam Vang (Phnom Penh). In 1930, he returned to lead the Tac Say parish. However, during a turbulent period, he was advised to temporarily leave the area, but Father Diep firmly refused. He said, "I live among the flock. And if I die, I will die among the flock. I'm not going anywhere."
During the upheaval in 1945-1946, Father Diep and 70 parishioners were arrested. At that time, the compassionate priest volunteered to die in place of the parishioners, sacrificing himself around March 1946. When Father Diep passed away, members of the parish had dreams about where his body was discarded. His body was decapitated, with a slash to his throat, his clothing stripped like Jesus Christ, his hands folded on his chest as if in prayer.
At that time, Father Diep's remains were buried at the Crooked Cane Church. It wasn't until 1969 that his remains were moved to the Tac Say Church, the old burial site. Sometime later, Father's remains were relocated to a newer, more dignified grave, just a short distance from the old one, within the beloved church grounds where he once served.
How do you get to Tac Say Church in Bac Lieu?
If you're going from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu and then going to Tac Say Church, you can choose from a few ways to get there:
- Bus: Taking a coach/bus is a popular option, and the travel time typically ranges from 6 to 7 hours from Saigon to Bac Lieu. There are several reputable and well-known bus companies you can opt for, such as Tuan Hung, Ngoc Anh, Tuan Hiep, etc. The ticket price for each bus ride is around 170,000 VND per person.
- Motorbike/Car: If you're into exploring, you can try traveling by personal vehicle. From Saigon, take Highway 1 through provinces like Can Tho and Soc Trang to reach Bac Lieu. Passing through Bac Lieu city center, head to Hoa Binh town, then through Gia Rai town. Around 4km from there, you'll reach Ho Phong Bridge, and after crossing it, continue for another 2km to reach Tac Say Church.
If you're coming from farther provinces, it's better to choose the most efficient and quickest way, which is by plane, and then continue your journey to Tac Say Church by bus.
The magnificent architecture of Tac Say Church in Bac Lieu
Tac Say Church
The reason behind the name "Tac Say" for this church is due to the past when there was only a narrow shortcut leading in, with both sides of the road covered in thick sedge. The locals used to call it "Tat Say," meaning having to pass through the sedge to reach the church. However, due to pronunciation, 'Tat' changed to 'Tac,' and the name Tac Say has remained to this day.
Having undergone numerous renovations, Tac Say Church boasts a grand scale and classical architecture, featuring three rooftops in accordance with East Asian culture. The church comprises three floors, and the second and third floors are where Mass is held.
A standout feature of Tac Say Church includes the statues carved entirely from precious wood, meticulously crafted with great detail. The atmosphere is both sacred and cozy, filled with the reverberation of prayers echoing every day.
Father Diep's resting place
Both the old and new tombs of Father Diep lie within the compound of Tac Say Church. The old tomb area still wafts with incense, while the newer area sees more visitors.
The new tomb area of Father Diep follows East Asian architecture with three rooftops, the central one being taller and adorned with a large clock as a focal point. Within the tomb compound, besides the peaceful resting place of the kind Father, there are several large statues depicting him in various postures: praying with God or smiling kindly, watching over the flock returning to him.
Father Diep's tomb area follows the Catholic burial tradition, predominantly in earthy orange tones. Visitors often gather around the tomb, reciting prayers and supplications together. Many people tend to touch the tomb with their hands and then place their hands on their heads as a way to receive blessings.
The auxiliary buildings
Besides the Holy Church and Father Diep's tomb, within the church grounds, there is also a central pilgrimage building. This building is quite large and serves as a place to exhibit materials about the compassionate Bishop as well as various souvenir items for you to purchase. Right above, there are accommodations for pilgrims. Moreover, if you wish to request blessings, give thanks, or ask for a ceremony, you can contact the nuns directly within this building.
Tac Say Church in Bac Lieu holds even more interesting things awaiting your discovery. Hopefully, what Vietnam Budget Carrental shared above will give you a comprehensive view of this sacred temple with its fascinating historical legend.
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