Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (fourth, right) meets with Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh of the Archdiocese of Hue on December 23 (Photo: VNA) Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – Christmas greetings wereextended to Catholic dignitaries and followers in central Thua Thien-Hueprovince and Da Nang city, and northern Ha Nam province by senior officials onDecember 23.
Meeting with head of the Vietnam EpiscopalCouncil – Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh of the Archdiocese of Hue, Deputy PrimeMinister Truong Hoa Binh wished local Catholics a merry Christmas season.
He noted contributions by Catholic followers to thecountry’s all-round achievements. He said Catholic dignitaries have encouragedfollowers to be good citizens helping with local and national development andthe great national unity bloc.
The Deputy PM affirmed that Party and State’s consistentpolicy is respecting people’s right to freedom of belief and religion, ensuringreligious followers’ rights and legitimate interests, and creating conditionsfor them to improve their living standards and contribute to the great nationalunity bloc.
He also expressed his hope that Catholicdignitaries and followers in Thua Thien-Hue will continue staying united andfurther adhering to the Pope’s teachings and the Vietnam Episcopal Council’sguideline of “living the gospel amidst the nation to serve the happiness offellow countrymen”.
For his part, Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linhappreciated the Party and State’s greetings, adding that the dignitaries willcontinue encouraging Catholic followers to comply with laws and join people ofall strata in the nation-building efforts.
On this occasion, Deputy PM Binh also visitedand sent Christmas wishes to Catholics in the parish of Phu Cam in Hue city.
Later, the Government official paid a Christmas visit toCatholic and Protestant dignitaries and followers in the central city of DaNang.
The same day, President of the VietnamFatherland Front Central Committee Tran Thanh Man visited the parish of LanhTri in Moc Nam commune of Duy Tien district, Ha Nam province.
He said the Party and State highly value therole of and contributions by Catholic followers in national building. He calledon local Catholics to uphold the traditional patriotism and solidarity, keepcontributing to their hometown and the country, and help enhance the greatnational unity bloc.
Priest Le Thanh Nghi, head of the Lanh Triparish, said he will continue calling on followers to actively engage inmovements and campaigns launched by the Vietnam Fatherland Front and join handswith local people in developing their hometown. –VNA
VNA
