On the evening of December 8, Archbishop Giuse Nguyen Nang, head of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, led a solemn ceremony to bless two newly crafted golden crosses at Notre-Dame Cathedral, located in Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

The two new crosses, each standing over 3.7 meters tall and spanning 1.85 meters in width, weigh approximately 400 kilograms. They were produced by a corporation in Belgium and gilded by an Italian company.

After a five-week maritime journey, the crosses arrived at Notre-Dame Cathedral in time for the Christmas season. According to the restoration committee, the gilding was not intended as a display of opulence, but to protect the inner steel structure, enhancing both durability and aesthetic value.

The base of each cross, designed in the shape of a fleur-de-lis, had been transported to Ho Chi Minh City by the end of 2024.

To preserve and protect the crosses, they are encased in Plexiglas (Acrylic) enclosures. Unlike tempered glass, Plexiglas is lightweight, transparent, and does not cause glare in photos, allowing visitors and parishioners to admire the crosses clearly.

Over time, harsh weather conditions and the scars of war severely damaged the original zinc spire crosses. After 128 years of standing atop the cathedral’s towers, the old crosses had become rusted and irreparable. The blessing ceremony was conducted with solemnity and reverence.

Father Ho Van Xuan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, was visibly moved as he witnessed the lowering of the original crosses from the cathedral’s spires.

“The cross is a symbol of love and hope. This year is also a Holy Year – an occasion that occurs only once every 25 years – so the timely arrival of the new crosses for the Christmas season is truly special for both the faithful and the community,” Father Xuan shared.

Many locals were visibly emotional as they had the chance to admire the two new crosses up close.

Notre-Dame Cathedral was built in 1877. In 2017, a major renovation effort began to restore its deteriorating components.

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Archbishop Giuse Nguyen Nang blesses the golden crosses on the evening of December 8.
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The new gilded crosses are placed behind glass inside the cathedral for public viewing.
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Each of the new crosses measures 3.7 meters in height, 1.85 meters in width, and weighs 400 kg.
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The cross bases, shaped like fleur-de-lis, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of 2024.
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Encased in Plexiglas, the crosses are protected while remaining easily visible to visitors.
The original crosses atop the zinc spires had deteriorated beyond repair after 128 years.
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The blessing ceremony was held in a solemn and respectful atmosphere.
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Father Ho Van Xuan was emotional witnessing the removal of the original crosses.
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Father Xuan described the crosses as symbols of love and hope, especially meaningful during this Holy Year.
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Many visitors were moved to see the newly arrived crosses up close.
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Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in 1877, has undergone restoration since 2017.

Tuan Hung