Joining the reception included Bishop of Thai Binh diocese cum Head of the Congregation for Clergy under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam Nguyễn Văn Đệ and Vice Chairman of the GCRA Dương Ngọc Tấn .

At the reception

Speaking with the guests, Chairman Vũ Chiến Thắng affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam have a consistent policy for respecting and safeguarding the religious freedom to all people and equality of religions before the law, as well as highly appreciate Catholics’ contributions to the cause of national construction and defense.

The Chairman also expressed his hope that Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz would have further guidance for Catholic orders in Vietnam to closely accompany with the nation, contributing to the development of the church and the country.

Cardinal João Braz de Aviz took the chance to thank the government religious committee and concerning authorities of Vietnam for creating favorable conditions for the Catholic Church as well as the congregations in Vietnam.

The Cardinal also expressed hope that Catholic dignitaries and clergies would proactively take part in the social, charitable activities, contributing to socio-economic development in the country.

During his first visit to Vietnam, Cardinal Braz de Aviz has attended the General Assembly of the Asian Conference of Secular Institutes held on September 2-4 at the Pastoral Center in Ho Chi Minh City, visited several congregations and met with clergies from the three Archdioceses of Ho Chi Minh, Hue and Hanoi.

Vietnam Catholic Church currently has over 200 orders with 30,000 clergymen and clergywomen. Many orders actively participated in the vocational training for youth, preschool education and provision of support to leprosy patients.

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Posing for group photo

Anh Khôi