GHPGVNTNAU Translated by Ven. Thích Trừng Sỹ
THE MOST VENERABLE ELDER THÍCH MINH TÂM IS HONORED
A STREET IS NAMED AFTER HIM NEXT TO KHÁNH ANH PAGODA – FRANCE
The Most Venerable Master Thích Minh Tâm and Ven. Thích Trừng Sỹ at Cổ Lâm Temple in Seattle 2011
In gratitude and in honor of his profound contributions to the cultural and spiritual life of the local community, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, the city authorities of Évry-Courcouronnes (French Republic) solemnly named a section of François Mauriac Street, adjacent to the grounds of Khánh Anh Great Temple, “Rue du Très Vénérable Thích Minh Tâm” (Street of the Most Venerable Thích Minh Tâm).
During the reception of the delegation and the witnessing of this meaningful event, the Buddhist representatives included Most Venerable First President Thích Tánh Thiệt, Most Venerable Second President Thích Như Điển, Most Venerable Thích Quảng Hiền, Most Venerable Thích Thông Trí, along with Senior Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo, Abbot of Khánh Anh Great Pagoda, and the venerable monks and nuns attending the Winter Retreat at the Pagoda.
The reception was held in the Buddha Hall, in a solemn and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the respect and close relationship between the local authorities and the Vietnamese Buddhist community in France.
The Most Venerable Thích Minh Tâm (1940–2013) was a highly esteemed figure in Vietnamese Buddhism abroad. He held numerous important positions within the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation and served as the founding Abbot of Khánh Anh Pagoda in Évry-Courcouronnes, France. His life of monastic practice and dedicated service was devoted to the propagation of the Dharma, Buddhist education, and the establishment of the foundations of Vietnamese Buddhism throughout Europe.
After many years of monastic training and scholarly study of Buddhism in Vietnam, Japan, and France, the Most Venerable has devoted himself tirelessly to Dharma propagation, the training of monks and nuns, and intercultural and interreligious dialogue. In particular, since 1996, he has been the initiator and direct overseer of the construction of Khánh Anh Pagoda in Évry—the largest Buddhist Pagoda in Europe—which has become a major center for spiritual practice, cultural activities, and Buddhist education for the Vietnamese community and international Buddhists.
Beyond its contributions to religious life, Khánh Anh Pagoda, under the leadership of the Most Venerable Thích Minh Tâm, has also served as a bridge for cultural exchange, fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and harmony among different Buddhist traditions, as well as between Buddhism and the wider society of the host country. The pagoda regularly welcomes international delegations and spiritual leaders, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, during his visits to France.
The decision by the Évry-Courcouronnes authorities to name a street after the Most Venerable Thích Minh Tâm, adjacent to Khánh Anh Pagoda, is a distinguished recognition of his tireless and profound contributions to the local community, to the cultural and religious life of France, and to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism abroad.
This is not only a great honor for the Congregation, the monks and nuns, and the Buddhist followers of Khánh Anh Pagoda, but also a significant milestone, reflecting French society’s respect for the humanistic, peaceful, and wise values that Buddhism brings.
According to the plan of the Évry-Courcouronnes city authorities, an official announcement regarding the date of the street-naming ceremony “Rue du Très Vénérable Thích Minh Tâm,” adjacent to Khánh Anh Great Pagoda, will soon be made. Images and materials related to the ceremony will be updated and widely published after the event, in order to share the joy and historical significance of this special milestone with the venerable monks and nuns, lay followers, and the broader community of those with wholesome connections, near and far.
Beyond honoring the Most Venerable Thích Minh Tâm, on this solemn occasion, Senior Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo, Abbot of Khánh Anh Great Pagoda (Évry, France), was also formally awarded the Medal of Honor by the French National Assembly, in recognition of his practical and tireless contributions to the community during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the period when French society was under strict lockdown, even though the pagoda was temporarily closed in accordance with health regulations, Senior Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo did not hesitate to face difficulties and risks, dedicating himself to serving the community in many practical ways: organizing relief efforts, supporting families in dire circumstances, assisting the elderly and the lonely, presiding over and guiding funerals for fellow Vietnamese who passed away during the pandemic, as well as offering compassionate comfort and moral support to those enduring loss and suffering.
The dedication, compassion, and social responsibility of Senior Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo during this unprecedented health crisis have left a profound impression on the community and have beensincerely recognized by the French authorities. The awarding of the Medal of Honor by the French National Assembly to Senior Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo is not only a personal honor but also affirms the positive role of Buddhism in social life, particularly during humanity’s most challenging times.
Namo Amitābha Buddha
Vietnamese text: Thích Nguyên Tạng (as recounted by Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo)
Images: Thích Thiện Toàn
