Transformations of Catholic Sacred Space in the Urbanization in Hanoi

Abstract

On the basis of field surveys and the Church’s
resources, the article mentions the transformation of the
Catholic spaces of some parishes and sub-parishes in Hanoi.
The trends can be seen from intuitive and non-intuitive angles.
For the first trend, the Catholic sacred spaces have had
significant changes in the appearance and function of churches.
This transformation is likely a process in tune with the process
of urbanization, towards the spaciousness, comfort, and
modernity. For the second trend, there are changes in the
interior sacred space. It is an integration with modern urban
life, a reflection of the process of urbanization as well as a
dispute and reservation between the sacred and secular spaces.