Holy Cross Church Introduction
In the 17th century, the Spanish brought Catholicism to Taiwan, but the missionary work was temporarily halted with the arrival of the Protestant Dutch. In 1859, Father J. G. G. D. G. of the Dominican Order's Rosary Province took over the legacy and officially began the history of the Catholic Church in Taiwan by establishing the first church in Kaohsiung. In 1953, through the hard work of Fathers Liang and Du Mingde, Catholicism became rooted in Ahou City. The two priests initially opened a chapel in an old house on Yongfu Road, and as the number of believers grew, the Dominican Order decided in 1959 to purchase land on Gongyuan Road. After ten years of challenges, the current chapel was finally completed. Coinciding with the Catholic "Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross," it was named "Holy Cross Church." The exterior wall of Holy Cross Church is paved with washed stones, demonstrating a simple and dignified appearance that embodies the Catholic tradition of simplicity. Inside the chapel, there are images of the Passion of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph, with a spacious area that can accommodate hundreds of people for sermons. Each year, grand celebrations are held for Easter, the church anniversary in September, and Christmas in December.
