Distinguished guests at the event included Secretary of the provincial Party’s Committee Trịnh Văn Chiến, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyễn Đình Xứng, representatives from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and local authorities.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman Nguyễn Đình Xứng spoke highly of practical contributions by Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh for the social development in the locality over the past 14 years in charge of Thanh Hoa diocese. He also hoped that the Archbishop of Hue Archdiocese cum President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam would continue supporting Thanh Hoa diocese in the coming time.

The provincial leader also congratulated Bishop Joseph Nguyễn Đức Cường on being ordained as Thanh Hoa diocese’s new Bishop. He also expressed hope that the Bishop would make practical contributions and closely work with local authorities for socio-economic development in the locality.

Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh took the chance to thank local authorities for support extended to religious affairs of the diocese and Catholic practices in the locality over the past years.

Chairman Nguyễn Đình Xứng speaks at the meeting

New Bishop of Thanh Hoa diocese Joseph Nguyễn Đức Cường speaks at the event

Bishop Joseph Nguyễn Đức Cường expressed that in the new position, he would actively join with local authorities for making practical contributions to local people and social development in the locality.

PH