Politburo member Mai wished Catholic dignitaries and followers a merry Christmas, and took the occasion to praise the committee’s efforts in encouraging Catholics to follow the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, participate in social and economic activities, and stand against the abuse of religious, democratic and human rights issues driving a wedge between religions and undermining the great national unity bloc.

Noting that the CSVC is an organisation representing the patriotic movement of Vietnamese Catholics, the official expressed her hope that it will make further efforts to serve as a bridge linking religion and society and encourage Vietnamese Catholics to continue complying with the pastoral direction “Living out the Gospel in the heart of the Nation to serve the welfare of the people", as written in the public letter issued by the Episcopal Council of the Catholic Church of Vietnam in 1980.

She believed that the Catholic Church of Vietnam and Catholic followers will always stand side by side with the nation, actively engage in patriotic emulation movements and humanitarian activities so as to be both a good follower and citizen.

Acknowledging the Party and State’s attention, CSVC Vice Chairman and General Secretary Priest Trần Xuân Mạnh, said the committee will make all-out efforts to fulfil its missions.

At the gathering, the CSVC sent Christmas greetings to priests and Catholic followers nationwide. Participants also listened to Christmas letters of the committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyễn Thiện Nhân.

Source: nhandan.com.vn