St. Anthony of Padua Christmas Display Lights Up the Sky, Hearts

Tao Van Vu has amassed a large collection of Christmas lights and decorations over the past 44 years through his volunteering to set up the nativity scene and Christmas displays at Sts. Anthony of Padua and Le Van Phung Church in Baton Rouge.

Parishioners admired his work and wanted to contribute to its success.

This year he “opened up that treasure box” and together with a group of 12 volunteers, created a stunning outdoor Christmas wonderland display. The 1,200-foot display includes a lighthouse, rotating windmill, a grist mill powered by water, Santa Clause, trumpeting angels, grazing animals, prancing reindeer, and snow floating in the air. More than 5,000 lights illuminate the scene.
Above photo: Tao Van Vu combined faith and ancient Asian traditions in a large Christmas display at Sts. Anthony and LeVan Phung Church in Baton Rouge. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator The Holy Family rests serenely in the middle of the display in the crèche. Over the scene hovers the heavenly hosts and the Star of Bethlehem, which is 45 feet above ground.

In previous years, Vu set up a smaller nativity scene in the church. St. Anthony pastor, Father Peter Tan Viet Nguyen ICM, asked him if he would additionally set up a large outdoor nativity set this year.

Vu accepted the invitation and planned the different sections and coordinated the lighting without using pen or paper or computer program.

Deacon Tram Phan, deacon assistant at St. Anthony, said, “He had it in his heart and mind and God gave him the wisdom to incorporate things throughout the year. With the windmill he’s incorporated the tradition of the Asian, Vietnamese, and all the ancient traditions and brings it up to modern times.”

Construction on the outdoor display began in November. About 40 pounds of nails were used to build the display.

Vu expressed his gratitude for the assistance from his group of volunteers, who helped 
with electrical, carpentry work, and hanging lights. 


“People have worked very hard. Any time I call, they stop what they are doing and come and help,” Vu said.

His goal in creating the nativity was to spread the Christmas message and bring cheer and hope to others.

“I want to make people happy,” said Tao.

This effort has been returned to him.

“I am a very happy man,” said Vu.

The nativity scene will be on display until the Feast of the Epiphany, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, and it is lit up from 5 – 11 p.m. nightly.