Attending the conference included President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee (VFF) Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, Priest Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the CSCV Trần Xuân Mạnh, Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Dương Ngọc Tấn, dignitaries from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Viet Nam and 130 representatives from the Standing Committee of the VFF and the CSCV across the country.

According to the conference report, over the past five years, the campaign for building cultural lifestyles in residential areas and promoting a better secular and religious life launched by the provincial CSVC has brought many practical results. Many typical Catholics and good models have been recorded in the cause of economic development, poverty reduction, social charities throughout the country. During the period 2010 – 2015, Catholic followers across the country contributed over 600 billion VND, building hundreds of charity houses for the poor.

President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân speaks at the confernce

In his speech, President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân acknowledged practical contributions made by Catholic communities over the past years and expressed his hope that the CSCV would guide Catholic communities to proactively participate in the patriotic emulation movements launched by the State and the VFF, contributing to building the prosperous country.

On this occasion, 180 Catholic priests and followers were honored for their outstanding achievements to the patriotic emulation movements launched by the CSCV. Three priests were awarded National Great Unity Medal from the State, seven individuals received Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister; 19 individuals were awarded a certificate of merit by the VFF and 150 individuals received a certificate of merit from the CSCV.

Some images at the conference:

Delegates at the conference

President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân presents National Great Unity medal to three priests

President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân presents Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister to seven individuals

Priest Trần Xuân Mạnh presents CSCV’s Certificate of Merit to individuals

MQ