Church of the Holy Cross Introduction
In the 17th century, the Spanish brought Catholicism to Taiwan, but the missionary efforts were temporarily halted with the arrival of the Dutch, who practiced Protestantism. In 1859, Father Paul de la Croix from the Order of Preachers resumed the efforts, officially initiating the history of the Catholic Church in Taiwan by establishing the first church in Kaohsiung. In 1953, with the hard work of Father Liang Ya and Father Du Mingde, Catholicism took root in Ahok City. The two priests first set up a chapel in an old house on Yongfu Road. As the congregation grew, the Order of Preachers decided in 1959 to purchase land on Park Road. After ten years of difficulties, the current chapel was finally completed. Coinciding with the Catholic feast of the “Exaltation of the Holy Cross,” it was named the “Holy Cross Church.” The exterior wall of the church is paved with washed pebbles, presenting a simple and dignified appearance that reflects the Catholic Church's consistent spirit of simplicity. The interior of the chapel features statues of the Crucified Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph, with spacious room to accommodate hundreds of people for sermons. Major celebrations are held annually for Easter, September's church festival, and Christmas in December.
