A Symbol of Hope

A Symbol of Faith Raised to the Summit

The ceremony took place in a solemn and deeply moving atmosphere, attended by Archbishop Nguyễn Năng of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City and Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Vietnam. At exactly 8:00 AM, a blessing and prayer ceremony was held for the two crosses. Father Hồ Văn Xuân, head of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Restoration Committee, emphasized the profound significance of this moment as the crosses returned to their historic place atop the towers—where they had stood for 128 years before being removed in March 2023 due to severe corrosion.

Each cross measures 3.73 metres in height, 1.85 metres in width, and weighs approximately 400 kilograms. Engineers and workers executed the delicate lifting process with extreme precision, taking about one hour to carefully position each cross at an altitude of roughly 60.5 metres. The operation ensured absolute safety for the historic structure and the precious gold-leaf finish of the sacred emblems.

A Journey Across Oceans: The New Crosses

Creating today’s crosses was a meticulous two-year process of research and craftsmanship. Since the original crosses had rusted beyond repair after more than a century, the Restoration Committee decided to commission entirely new crosses based on the authentic French-colonial design. The structural steel framework was manufactured by Monument Group in Belgium, while the gold leaf application was executed by the renowned Giusto Manetti studio from Florence, Italy—a historic company with roots dating back to 1600, specializing in ultra-thin gold leaf.

After completion, the two crosses embarked on a five-month ocean voyage, arriving at Ho Chi Minh City port on October 18, 2025. Before their ascent, the crosses were displayed inside the cathedral from December 2023, allowing parishioners and visitors to admire their radiant beauty up close.

Expectations of Enduring Legacy

A remarkable detail that captivated the public is the exceptional durability of the new crosses. International expert Robin Deketelaere, involved in the project, noted that crosses in Europe typically have a lifespan of around 50 years. However, thanks to cutting-edge materials and technology, the two crosses for Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral are designed to last a minimum of 100 years.

This achievement carries deep symbolic meaning: it is not merely a restoration of historical value but a forward-looking investment—ensuring the image of the Cross will continue to stand tall amidst the city, witnessing generations to come.

Joy of the People and Cultural Significance

The event drew widespread attention and joy among local residents. Even with scaffolding surrounding the cathedral during ongoing restoration, crowds gathered at a distance to watch the two crosses rise gracefully toward the sky. The return of this iconic silhouette brought hope to the community—a promise that the architectural landmark, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most cherished symbols, will soon be fully restored to its former glory.

Archbishop Marek Zalewski shared that returning the crosses not only marks a milestone in the construction phase but also represents a symbol of hope lifted high over the city. A true masterpiece, he reminded, is not built from materials alone—it is forged from unity, faith, and shared purpose.

Reflecting on the Restoration Journey

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, originally constructed between 1877 and 1880, stands as a masterpiece blending Romanesque and Gothic influences. With a total length of 133 metres and width of 35 metres, the two bell towers, added in 1895, rise 57.6 metres high—creating the iconic silhouette beloved by generations.

The comprehensive restoration project began in July 2017, with an initial target completion in 2021, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the technical complexities of preserving a historic structure. The successful installation of the two gilded crosses marks a critical advancement, bringing the cathedral closer than ever to completion—though the exact opening date remains unconfirmed, anticipation continues to build.

After nearly a decade behind scaffolding, the sight of two gleaming crosses against the Saigon skyline speaks to the enduring vitality of this cultural emblem. This moment is not just a technical achievement but a deeply spiritual and symbolic event—ushering a new chapter for Notre-Dame Cathedral as it prepares to once again become a spiritual and cultural heart of the city named after Uncle Ho.