Image: Lang Van Parish
On December 8th, Lang Van Parish (Phat Diem Diocese, Ninh Binh) inaugurated the Lang Van Church, a structure hailed as Vietnam’s largest cathedral to date.
Spanning over 14,200 square meters, with a total floor area nearing 4,000 square meters, the church is designed in the shape of a cross, measuring 94 meters in length and 40 meters in width. It can accommodate approximately 5,000 people, setting a record within Vietnam’s Catholic church system.
Image: Lang Van Parish
A standout feature of the structure is its main bell tower, standing at approximately 110 meters tall (including the cross), placing it among the tallest bell towers in the country. Two auxiliary towers, each 60 meters tall, harmoniously complement the main tower, adding to the grandeur of the complex. The foundation of the bell tower is reinforced with 1.6-meter diameter piles, drilled 40-50 meters deep into the bedrock, ensuring stability for the massive structure.
The desire to build a new cathedral arose from the growing need for worship space, as the old church (built in 1933) could only seat 1,000 people. Land clearance began in 2014, and on January 14, 2015, Lang Van Parish held a ceremony to bless the foundation and lay the cornerstone.
Beneath the sanctuary lies a basement area of approximately 1,000 square meters, 15 meters deep, comprising a large hall and three smaller rooms, capable of serving 700-800 people. This space serves both as a community activity area and an emergency shelter when needed.
With its scale, distinctive Gothic architecture, and regional significance, Lang Van Church is recognized as Vietnam’s largest cathedral.
Image: Lang Van Parish
According to the Culture Newspaper, Parish Priest Nguyen Ba Khue shared that Lang Van Church covers a total area of 14,200 square meters, with a total investment exceeding 400 billion VND, fully sponsored by Xuan Thanh Economic Group.
Mr. Peter Nguyen Xuan Thanh (Image: Lang Van Parish)
During the Thanksgiving Mass for the dedication of Lang Van Parish Church, Mr. Peter Nguyen Xuan Thanh, representing the investor, stated, “Each time I return to attend Mass, seeing the old, small church unable to accommodate everyone during major holidays, my heart is filled with the desire for our parish to have a more spacious and suitable sanctuary. It should meet the needs of our growing community, serving not only today but also as a sacred legacy for future generations.”
This desire, coupled with love for my homeland, motivated me and my family to commit to supporting, alongside the parish fund, the construction of a grand, durable, and fitting cathedral. It will not only serve present needs but also stand as a sacred heritage for generations to come.”
Xuan Thanh Economic Group (now Thaigroup) is a major conglomerate in Vietnam, headquartered in Ninh Binh province, founded by Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh. It is renowned for its ventures in Xuan Thanh cement, real estate, and other large-scale projects.
The precursor to Xuan Thanh Group was the Binh Minh Construction Cooperative, established in 1976. In 1992, with the re-establishment of Ninh Binh province, the cooperative was upgraded to Xuan Thanh Construction and Supply Enterprise, marking a new phase in the group’s development.
In the early 21st century, the enterprise expanded into multiple sectors, officially becoming Xuan Thanh Economic Group in July 2009.
The group has undertaken numerous projects that have transformed Ninh Binh, including the Provincial Sports Arena, the Provincial General Hospital, the provincial solid waste treatment plant, the Provincial Maternity and Children’s Hospital, the Hoang Long River left embankment, the Provincial Party Committee’s headquarters, the Day River right embankment, infrastructure development on the western bank of the Van River, the rescue and economic development road ensuring national defense and security in Binh Son – Lai Thanh (DT 480), and the Ninh Binh city and Hoa Lu district flood control project.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh has seven children, many of whom are prominent entrepreneurs.
Notable among them is businessman Nguyen Duc Thuy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Loc Phat Commercial Joint Stock Bank (LPBank – stock code: LPB) and founder of Thaiholdings Corporation.
Nguyen Van Thien, the eldest son of Mr. Xuan Thanh, serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Xuan Thien Group, a leading Vietnamese conglomerate operating in construction materials, renewable energy, oil and gas investment, and high-tech agriculture.
Other children of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh maintain a lower profile. Nguyen Van Thuy is Vice Chairman of LPBank’s Board of Directors. Nguyen Xuan Thuy chairs Xuan Thanh Cement Company. Nguyen Van Thuyet has been involved in managing Thaiholdings (TDH). The youngest, Nguyen Duc Hanh, has not yet taken an executive role in the family’s business ecosystem.
Nguyen Thi Thao, the only daughter of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh, remains very private and rarely appears in the media. Her husband, Doan Nguyen Ngoc, serves as Deputy General Director of LPBank.
