Chua Bo De

Chua Bo De is a Buddhist temple in Belle Chase with a single-story square building that has a wide covered porch and traditional lion statues flanking the double-door entrance. The main prayer hall opens behind this entry area where worshippers gather for services.

The temple was established in 1983 and became a vital shelter for the community after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Since then it has served as a steady source of support for many families in the area.

The temple has dedicated spaces for ancestor veneration where photos and offerings are displayed in separate rooms next to the main prayer hall. Visitors see personal items and flowers throughout that honor those who have passed.

The temple holds regular services on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 11:00 a.m., with Vietnamese language classes for children on Sunday mornings. Visitors should come prepared for a small, engaged community gathering.

The temple is managed primarily by two female nuns who receive support from a visiting monk who comes periodically from elsewhere. This arrangement reflects how central women are to the community's spiritual life.