A History of Cát Nội Parish: A Journey of Faith and Grace

August 2, 2025

Parish Name: Cát Nội Parish

Patron Saint: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15)

Establishment: Sub-parish: 1830 – Parish: June 27, 2025

Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Nguyễn Cao Huấn, OP.

Number of Faithful: 585 (487 residing in the parish, 98 away from home)

Address: Hamlet 10, Trà Lý Ward, Hưng Yên Province

Nestled in the serene rice paddies east of the gentle Trà Lý River, Cát Nội Parish is a testament to enduring faith. Located approximately 3km southeast of its mother parish, Sa Cát, and 2km southwest of Cát Đàm Parish, this community has journeyed for nearly 250 years. Through the vicissitudes of history, the seed of faith sown here has clung tenaciously to the soil, growing strong and bearing abundant fruit today.

I. The Dawn of Faith (1774 – 1936)

According to archival records from Sa Cát Parish, the historical annals of the Diocese of Trung (compiled in 1916), and the oral traditions passed down by ancestors, the light of the Gospel first reached the Cát Nội community around the year 1774. The first faithful gathered here, sharing their beliefs and uniting in daily prayer. From these humble beginnings, the seed of faith took deep root in the fertile land of Cát Nội.

As time passed, guided by the Holy Spirit, the number of believers grew. Recognizing the pressing need for organized religious life, in 1830, Bishop Domingo Henares Minh, OP, of the Diocese of East Tonkin, issued a decree establishing the Sub-parish of Cát Nội, under the jurisdiction of Sa Cát Parish. The community chose the Annunciation (March 25) as its feast day. During this period, the first chapel was erected, becoming a vital center for prayer and spiritual nourishment. By the early 20th century, the sub-parish had flourished, counting 387 members.

As history unfolded, the original chapel fell into disrepair. In 1910, with the permission of their superiors, the sub-parish acquired the old seven-bay wooden church from Thái Bình Parish (now the Cathedral). They dismantled, transported, and reassembled it, marking a significant milestone in their development.

II. A Time of Trial and Enduring Faith (1936 – 1973)

In 1936, the Diocese of Thái Bình was established, separating from the Diocese of Bùi Chu. Bishop John Casado Thuận founded the Mỹ Đức Minor Seminary nearby. Due to its favorable location, Cát Nội was blessed with the attention and support of many priests and seminarians from the seminary.

However, this period was also fraught with trials. The tragic events of 1945, including a devastating famine, natural disasters, and a cholera epidemic, severely impacted the lives of the people. The subsequent turmoil of war in 1949 brought further hardship. Yet, amidst the suffering, by the grace of God, the community remained steadfast in their faith, and hymns of thanksgiving continued to echo within their small church.

The most significant trial was the 1954 exodus. A heartbreaking scene unfolded as nearly seven-tenths of the faithful departed for the South in search of freedom, leaving behind mostly the elderly and children. With a diminished flock and facing material scarcity, maintaining the church and its property became incredibly difficult. But even in these dire circumstances, the flame of faith in Cát Nội was not extinguished. Through the care of the Diocesan Curia, the priests of the Minor Seminary, and the support of the deeply traditional mother parish of Sa Cát, the community’s spiritual life was preserved.

A beacon of hope shone in 1953 when Fr. Peter Trần Minh Tân (parish priest of Sa Cát) acquired a Western bell for the sub-parish. In 1959, Fr. Joseph Trần Trọng Hậu, the director of Mỹ Đức Seminary, sent a builder known as “Godfather” Trang to construct a bell tower. From then on, the sound of the church bell began to ring out over the humble village, a divine call gathering and warming the hearts of the remaining faithful.

III. Reconstruction and a Vision for the Future (1973 – 2025)

In 1973, Bishop Dominic Đinh Đức Trụ decided to transfer the Cát Nội sub-parish from Sa Cát Parish to Cát Đàm Parish, along with 100 of its members.

After nearly a century of service, the wooden church had severely deteriorated. As the Great Jubilee of 2000 approached, Msgr. Joseph Bùi Văn Cẩm (parish priest of Cát Đàm) sought permission from Bishop Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Sang to build a new church, which was granted. The new church was designed to be 42m long, 14m wide, with a 41m tower. Construction faced immense procedural and financial challenges, but through the wise stewardship of Msgr. Cẩm, the crucial financial support of a native son, Brother Joseph Hà Xuân Trường, and the collective efforts of benefactors near and far, including the parishes of Sa Cát and Cát Đàm, the project commenced.

In 2003, Msgr. Joseph was transferred to Sa Cát, and Fr. Francis Xavier Ngô Văn Toan was appointed to Cát Đàm, continuing the unfinished work. After four years of sacrifice and hard work, the new church was completed amidst boundless joy. On August 19, 2004, Bishop Francis Xavier presided over the Mass of Thanksgiving and the inauguration of the new church. In his homily, he affectionately remarked, “This is a lovely little church, and it is the first in the Thái Bình City Deanery to be inaugurated.”

IV. A Historic Milestone: Elevation to a Parish (2025)

On December 5, 2023, Fr. Joseph Nguyễn Cao Huấn, OP was appointed parish priest of Cát Đàm. Recognizing the community’s growth and piety, he reorganized the sub-parish into four zones and trained catechists. Echoing the aspirations of the entire community, on March 10, 2025, the parish priest and the Pastoral Council submitted a petition to the bishop to elevate Cát Nội to the status of a parish.

This grace was granted on June 27, 2025. During the solemn Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Cathedral, Bishop Dominic Đặng Văn Cầu officially issued the decree elevating the Sub-parish of Cát Nội to the rank of a Parish, under the new name Cát Nội Parish, and designating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15) as its new patronal feast. This historic milestone opens a glorious new chapter in the community’s journey of faith.

V. Shepherds Through the Ages

The spiritual life of Cát Nội has been nurtured by numerous dedicated priests over the years, first under Sa Cát Parish (1830–1973), then Cát Đàm Parish (1973–2025), and now as its own parish. The community gratefully remembers the pastoral care of the priests from Sa Cát, the directors and priests of Mỹ Đức Seminary, and the parish priests of Cát Đàm, including Msgr. Joseph Bùi Văn Cẩm, Fr. Francis Xavier Ngô Văn Toan, Fr. Luke Nguyễn Văn Định, and the Dominican fathers who have served since 2008. These shepherds have built upon the foundations laid by their predecessors, constructing not only physical structures like the pastoral house (2014), the Marian grotto (2015), and the Divine Mercy shrine (2021), but more importantly, building up a vibrant community of faith.

VI. A Vibrant Community Life: Associations and Activities

Today, the faith life of the new Cát Nội Parish is dynamic and well-organized, manifested through the zealous activities of its various associations:

• The Parish Pastoral Council: Works closely with the parish priest in managing and organizing parish activities.
• The Brass Band and Drum Corps: Add solemnity and joy to processions and liturgical celebrations.
• The Mothers’ Association: The prayerful heart of the parish, quietly serving and caring for the church.
• The Fathers’ Association: Pillars of faith in their families and the parish, actively participating in community work.
• The Dominican Laity: Live out the Dominican spirituality through prayer, study of the Word, and service.
• The Divine Mercy Sodality: Spreads devotion to the Divine Mercy through prayer and works of charity.
• The Youth Group and Eucharistic Youth Movement: The lifeblood and future of the parish, nurtured through catechesis and wholesome activities.

The parish is structured into four zones, each named after an Evangelist: St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. This harmonious collaboration among the associations creates a strong, loving, and vibrant community.

Conclusion

Looking back on its long journey, the community of Cát Nội Parish offers infinite thanks to God through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. They honor the memory of their ancestors who steadfastly preserved the faith and express gratitude to all the clergy, benefactors, and relatives who have nurtured the parish. The beautiful achievements of today are a solid foundation upon which the people of Cát Nội will continue to write new chapters in their history, striving to live worthily as children of God and to build a parish of unity and love, becoming a true witness to the Gospel in their homeland.