The Vietnam Union of Superiors General Congress for 2015 – 2018 tenure was held on November 5-6 at Xuan Loc diocese in Dong Nai province with the aim to review the Union activities in the past term, map out the working plan and elect the new Executive Committee for the next term.

The Congress elected the new term’s Executive Committee consisting of 10 members led by Priest Phạm Thanh Liêm, Superior General of the Jesuit Provincial of Vietnam.

Welcoming the GCRA delegation included Archbishop José Rodriguez Carballo, Secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, priests and religious from the Executive Committee.

During the welcoming reception, Vice Chairman Dương Ngọc Tấn acknowledged practical contributions by Catholic congregations to social charities and campaigns launched by local authorities for socio-economic development in localities. He also expressed hope that the Union would continue to promote its role as a bridge between the congregations and authorities at all levels, contributing to build a strong and prosperous country of Vietnam. He also took the chance to thank the Pope for his good feelings toward Vietnam and extended best wishes to the new Executive Committee.

Archbishop José Rodriguez Carballo expressed his thanks to the GCRA for its due attention extended to clergymen and clergywomen in Vietnam. He also promised to convey GCRA leader’s best wishes to the Pope and affirmed that Catholic congregations in Vietnam would do their best to serve the people of Vietnam, especially the poor, in respect of state laws.

Phương Hoa