Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan paid a visit to the city’s Archdiocese on February 10 to wish local Catholic dignitaries and followers a happy new year in the Year of the Goat.

He highlighted the significant role that the Catholic community played in helping the city surmount difficulties last year to fulfil its socio-economic development targets.

The city’s leader hoped that with his reputation and clout, Archbishop Bui Van Doc will encourage Catholic dignitaries and followers to continue working for a thriving city and nation.

Quan then visited the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics’ Ho Chi Minh City chapter and the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South).

He said he hopes the committee will continue working closely with the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other organisations in improving the material and spiritual lives of religious groups and disadvantaged people.

Many southern provinces, including Binh Duong and Ben Tre, have been organising meetings with local religious communities to wish them a happy new year.-VNA