At the congress

The event drew the participation of nearly 400 delegates who are outstanding Catholics in the patriotic emulation movements across the country.

Distinguished at the event included President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Đỗ Văn Chiến, Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vũ Hoài Bắc, and representatives from concerning central ministries, agencies and other religious organizations.

The congress approved the amended Charter of the CSVC, mapped out working plans for the 8^th term, elected 148 members to the CSVC Central Committee for the 2023-2028 tenure, and nominated 30 members to join the Presidium and nine members to the Standing Board of the CSVC Central Committee with Priest Joseph Trần Xuân Mạnh reselected as President of the CSVC.

Delegates at the congress

As reported at the event, in the 2018-2023, the Catholic community across country has proactively participated in patriotic movements with many practical results and outstanding models in boosting socio-economic development, as well as helped each other to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty, and actively engage social activities.

The CSVC at all levels have proactively responded to the calls to support funds such as “For Vietnam’s seas and islands Fund”, “For the poor”, etc with the total contribution of nearly 2,013 billion VND during the 2017-2022 period. Regarding to Covid-19 pandemic prevention work, Catholic followers in Ho Chi Minh city have contributed over 20 billion VND through donation of cash, foods, and health equipments, and over 1,000 Catholic compatriots volunteered to serve in hospitals and field hospitals, etc.

President VFF Đỗ Văn Chiến presents floral congratulation to the congress

Addressing at the event, President of the VFF Đỗ Văn Chiến highly appreciated outstanding contributions made by Catholic followers for consolidating the great national unity and strengthening national construction and defense.

He stated the Vietnamese Party and State always remain consistent in respecting and protecting the right to freedom of belief and religion, and affirm the importance of promoting cultural values, good ethics and resources of religions in building and developing the country; as well as pay attention to and create conditions for people of all religions, including Catholic compatriots, to practice their faith and actively participate in social activities benefiting the country and people, and contribute to building a wealthy, prosperous and happy country.

On behalf of the Party and State, President Đỗ Văn Chiến presented the third-class Labor Medal of the State President to Priest President of the CSVC Joseph Trần Xuân Mạnh and Priest Vice President of the CSVC Antoine Dương Phú Oanh for their outstanding contributions in patriotic movements for the 2018-2023 tenure.

On the occasion, outstanding Catholic individuals and organisations were honored for their contributions to patriotic movements and national construction and defense for the 2018-2023 from the VFF Central Committee, the Ministry of Public Security and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.

Anh Khôi