On behalf of the city’s leaders, Nhân extended greetings to and wished Catholic dignitaries and followers nationwide a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

He briefed HCM City’s socio-economic development in 2017 and orientations for 2018, saying that the city is actively implementing the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 54/2017/QH14 on pilot implementation of special mechanisms and policies for its faster and more sustainable development and a project to building Ho Chi Minh City into a smart city.

Nhân highlighted the contribution made by the municipal archdiocese and followers to the city’s education, health and social charity, thus helping the city to realize its socio-economic development targets.

The official expressed his hope that the archdiocese’s dignitaries will continue joining hands with local authorities to encourage local Catholics to actively participate in national construction and protection movements.

Archbishop of the Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese Paul Bùi Văn Đọc thanked the local authorities for continuously facilitating religious practice of local Catholics and hoped that relations between the church and administration will develop more fruitfully so that Catholic followers can contribute further to the city’s socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, Auxiliary Bishop Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Chief of the Office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, pledged to encourage followers to continue uniting and joining hands with the administrations at levels to fulfill their civic obligations and lead a good religious life.

Source: VNA