A delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (VFFCC) led by its President Huynh Dam visited the Bac Ninh Diocese Office on December 19, on the occasion of Christmas 2011.

Dam spoke highly of efforts and contributions by the Bishop, Catholic dignitaries and followers in the northern province of Bac Ninh in implementing the guidelines and policies of the Party and the law of the State as well as actively participating in patriotic emulation movements, keeping security and order, and building the great national unity bloc.

He expressed his wish that in future, the Bishop will continue encouraging and guiding the Catholic people to adhere to the Party and State’s religious policies, thus strengthening the building of the great national unity bloc.

On the same day, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc called on the Hanoi Archdiocese to offer greetings to Archbishop of Hanoi Peter Nguyen Van Nhon and other dignitaries.

The Hanoi Vice Mayor expressed her wish that the Hanoi Archdiocese will continue making contributions to the great national unity bloc, religious solidarity and socio-economic development.

Archbishop Peter Nguyen Van Nhon encouraged Catholic dignitaries and followers to implement the Party and State’s polices and law.

On the same day, the Vietnam Catholic Unity Committee (VCUC) held a meeting with representatives of religious agencies and organisations, and outstanding Catholic people in Hanoi .

According to priest Nguyen Cong Danh, Vice Chairman of the VFFCC and Chairman of the VCUC, over the past year Catholic people in Vietnam have travelled with the nation in all aspects of life, especially charitable activities.

In its congratulatory letters sent to the Catholic Unity Committees of cities and provinces and Catholic people nationwide, the VCUC affirmed that Vietnamese Catholics have made their religious love closer to the nation.

The committee wished a merry Christmas to all Catholics throughout the country.

The northern mountainous province of Yen Bai on Dec. 19 held a get-together for religious dignitaries on Christmas 2011, during which Catholic and Protestant dignitaries expressed their deep gratitude to the local authorities for implementing many programmes to improve the living standards of religious followers.

On the same day, in the southern province of Dong Nai , the local authorities visited the Xuan Loc Diocese Office, Bishop Nguyen Chu Trinh and dignitaries.

From December 19-22, leaders of provincial departments and agencies will pay visits to outstanding religious organisations, dignitaries and followers throughout the province./.