National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan presenting Christmas greetings flowers to Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, the Central Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan wished Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh, President of the Vietnam Bishops' Council, Archbishop of Hue Archdiocese; Priests, representatives of parishes and congregations of the Archdiocese of Hue celebrate a Christmas season merrily and have a New Year 2021 filled with God's grace.

Looking back to 2020 with many difficulties and challenges, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan affirmed that Vietnam has successfully implemented the proposed "dual mission". That is both disease control and economic and social growth; Vietnam is one of the few countries with positive growth in the difficult context of the world economy. Vietnam's reputation is constantly being raised in the international arena; its relations with other countries have been strengthened.

The Chairwoman of the National Assembly emphasized that in the construction and development of the country, there is always a practical contribution of Catholics in the Vietnamese Catholic Church in general and the Catholic people of Hue Archdiocese in particular. The authorities at all levels acknowledge the contributions made by Catholics in socio-economic development, hunger eradication, poverty reduction, study promotion, talent promotion, etc.

The President of the National Assembly affirmed that the State of Vietnam always respects and guarantees the people's right to freedom of belief and religion through the provisions of the Constitution, and the National Assembly has concretized by passing the Law on Beliefs. The Archbishop, dignitaries and priests guide parishioners in implementing the Church's directions well as well as implementing State policies and laws.

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Le Truong Luu and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Phan Ngoc Tho presenting flowers to Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh

The President of the National Assembly wished Hue Archdiocese as well as other dioceses in the country to continue developing to bring a peaceful life, not only for Christians, for Catholics but for the people of the country, contribute meaningful and practical work to bring happiness to the people. The activities of the Church as well as of the Archbishop's Court will contribute to consolidating the great national unity bloc in accordance with the guidelines and policies of the Party and State.

Thanking the National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and the Delegation of the Party and State leaders, the Central Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front, Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh expressed his joy when receiving the flowers and the compliments of the National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. This shows the special concern of the Party and State for the Catholic Church in general and the Archdiocese of Hue in particular. The Church will endeavor to collaborate and build a peaceful and developing society as all Vietnamese Catholics want.

Story and photos: Thai Binh

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