Articles Discovery on the cycling road Lifestyle Mr Old Man A MORNING VISIT TO HOA NINH PARISH CHURCH ON THE WAY TO BA NA HILLS By Mr Old Man Posted on 3 weeks ago 4 min read 0 0 12 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr By Mr. Old Man On a beautiful morning ride to Ba Na Hills, I took a spontaneous turn and stopped by Hoa Ninh Parish Church—a peaceful stop that brought back a wave of emotions and memories. Located in Hoa Ninh commune, Hoa Vang district, Da Nang city, Hoa Ninh Parish Church was established in 1938. Compared to other churches in the same deanery like An Ngai (1670) or Phu Thuong (1876), it’s a relatively “youngster.” But what it lacks in age, it makes up for in charm. With its spacious, tree-filled grounds and distinct architectural style, the church stands out as a beautiful spiritual haven. It’s not just a place for worship but also a retreat for parish groups seeking peace and reflection. MEMORIES FROM MY DAYS AS A “BUS HELPER” Standing in front of the church today, I couldn’t help but be transported back to my younger days—right after the war—when I worked as a helper on a Lambro 550 three-wheeled truck, running the route between Hoa Ninh and Da Nang. Back then, every morning my father would drive up to the intersection near the church and load the vehicle sky-high with firewood, green tea leaves, jackfruit… then we’d head down to Tam Giac market. The road is better now Hoa Ninh was a poor place then, and the church was far from the beautiful building it is now. The road was rough, full of rocks, potholes, and bumps big enough to knock your teeth out. The slope at “Ong Gam Hollow” would split in two whenever it rained, and overloaded trucks could easily flip if the driver wasn’t careful. and the scenery is more beautiful. My father was a cautious man. Every time we approached that dangerous slope, he’d make me get out and walk down while he steered the vehicle alone. “If something happens,” he’d say, “I’ll be the only one to take the fall.” Thankfully, we never had a single accident. Road to Ba Na Hills Today, standing in the same place, so much has changed—except the feeling. Thank you, Hoa Ninh Parish Church, for stirring up such vivid, heartfelt memories. — Mr. Old Man, July 2021