Holy Redeemer, Bangkok (The Church that looks like a Thai Temple)

Holy Redeemer Church, Bangkok Thailand - the Roman Catholic church that is designed to look like a traditional Thai Buddhist temple

Holy Redeemer, Bangkok, Thailand

The Catholic Church that looks like a Buddhist Temple

Established in 1949 by the Bishop of Thailand, Holy Redeemer Church is unlike any other Roman Catholic church in the Kingdom of Thailand. While Thailand's other Catholic churches are built in a distinctly European style, Holy Redeemer is inarguably Thai, with a temple-like exterior and an unusually-joyful Jesus statue in a posture of praise rather than a typical somber Crucifix situated at the main altar.

interior of Holy Redeemer Church, Bangkok, Thailand

Other beautiful churches in Bangkok:

Assumption Cathedral, Bangkok: https://www.stainedglasstravel.com/2019/08/assumption-cathedral-bangkok.html

Wat Khmen (the first church in Thailand): https://www.stainedglasstravel.com/2019/10/immaculate-conception-wat-khmen-oldest.html

St. Francis Xavier Church: https://www.stainedglasstravel.com/2019/10/st-francis-xavier-church-bangkok.html

a statue of Jesus in a posture of praise stands at the altar rather than a somber crucifix

The congregation of Holy Redeemer, established by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (also known as the Redemptorists), existed before the church building itself had been built. The original Redemptorist Church met in the garage of a small house purchased by the diocese downtown, and was given the affectionate nickname "Our Lady of the Garage".

Bangkok's vibrant Sino-Franco-Portuguese Catholic community grew and expanded, and soon, it was necessary to built a suitable church building. The idea of incorporating Thai architecture was suggested by Msgr. Fulton Sheen, an enthusiastic American prelate who was instrumental in establishing the church. Today, it's definitely one of - if not the most - interesting and beautiful churches in all of Thailand.

a shrine to St. Mary outside of Holy Redeemer School, Bangkok, Thailand

Today, the church is home to a large congregation from all walks of life. Holy Redeemer offers daily Mass in both English and Thai. It also offers pre-wedding (Pre-Cana) counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and Overeaters Anonymous meetings in both English and Thai. There is also a small private school, Holy Redeemer School, attached to the church. It follows the local Thai curriculum. The church also operates several social-outreach programs, including an orphanage for abandoned AIDS and HIV-positive children.

Holy Redeemer is a very popular place for Catholic weddings, as it is an incredibly beautiful building where Thai Catholics can celebrate their religion as well as their culture.

Website

http://www.holyredeemerbangkok.net/home/

Location

Holy Redeemer is located in the center of Bangkok, Thailand at:

123, 15 Ruam Rudi 5 Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330

The church is a short walk or taxi ride from BTS Nana and MRT Lumpini stations. It is not far from popular downtown areas such as Siam Square.