Two newly gilded crosses were placed atop the twin towers of Saigon’s Notre Dame Cathedral on March 19, restoring a visible sign of Christian faith to the city skyline after years of restoration.
The installation took place on the Solemnity of St. Joseph and marks a significant moment in the cathedral’s restoration, bringing back a religious symbol long associated with the spiritual life of the city.
Church leaders and restoration teams watched as cranes lifted the crosses more than 57 meters above ground and fixed them onto the zinc-clad towers, according to Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference.
Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the Vatican’s non-resident representative to Vietnam, said the return of the crosses carries spiritual meaning after they were removed in 2023 for restoration.
Photo credit: Son Nu SPC, Minh Phong, Paul Pham / Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference
He described it as “a sign of faith placed in the heart of the city, directing people toward the mystery of the Cross of Christ.”
He also referred to the Church as being built from “living stones,” saying each believer contributes through faith and charity.
“When we know how to live in forgiveness, care for the poor and practice the Gospel, the Church is manifested in the concrete life of the community of believers,” he said.
Zalewski said the cross points to both sacrifice and resurrection.
“From this, people are invited to recognize that suffering is not the end, but love and hope still open a path forward,” he said.
The ceremony coincided with the feast of St. Joseph, patron of the universal Church. The archbishop urged the faithful to protect faith, family, and community life through humility and fidelity.
Photo credit: Son Nu SPC, Minh Phong, Paul Pham / Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference
“As Saint Joseph cooperated in God’s plan, each person is also invited to participate in building up the Church through his or her own life,” he said.
Workers first installed the cross on the tower facing a nearby school, then placed the second on the tower facing the central post office. Engineers and specialists from abroad and Vietnam oversaw the process.
Each cross stands more than 3.7 meters high and weighs about 400 kilograms. They are made of steel and covered with gold leaf, suited for tropical conditions. The crosses were produced in Belgium based on the original design.
Photo credit: Son Nu SPC, Minh Phong, Paul Pham / Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference
The work follows several years of technical study, including structural checks, 3D scanning, and material analysis. The original crosses, which had stood for nearly 130 years, were removed in March 2023 after severe deterioration was found.
Built between 1877 and 1880, the cathedral remains one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Restoration has covered the roof, framework, and bell towers.
The return of the crosses restores a visible symbol of faith in the city and points to the continuing presence of the Church in the life of the community.
Restoration work continues, with Church leaders expressing hope that the cathedral will remain a place where faith is lived and shared.
