The Archdiocese of Hanoi opened its 11th Youth Congress in northern Thai Binh province on November 27, with the participation of 20,000 young Catholics from 25 provinces and cities in the archdiocese.

Representatives from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, the Vatican ’s representative in Vietnam- Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, together with archbishops, bishops and priests from 10 northern dioceses also attended the event.

The annual congress aims to encourage young dignitaries and followers to lead both good secular and religious lives and positively engage in national construction and defence

Several cultural activities and art performances are scheduled to be held during the two-day event.-VNA