Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh presenting Christmas flowers to Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh

Welcoming the Deputy Prime Minister and the delegation at the Catholic Archdiocese of Hue, Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh and priests all expressed their contentment of living in a peaceful land, favorable for religious activities. During the recent outbreak of the pandemic, the local government and people have actively cooperated and coordinated in disease prevention and control.

They expressed their joy and emotion when welcoming the Deputy Prime Minister and the delegation. They highly appreciated the Party, State, and authorities at all levels for their attention in facilitating religious activities and taking care of the lives of people of the country in general, and of the Catholic followers in particular. Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh expressed his delight at the socio-economic achievements of the country in 2021 in the context of natural disasters and disease. He also affirmed the commitment to contribute to bringing the country to a new height.

On behalf of the leaders of the Party and State, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh sent his respectful greetings, kind regards, and best wishes on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year 2022 to Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh, priests, clergymen, and Catholic followers.

The Deputy Prime Minister highly appreciated the contributions of priests, clergymen, and followers who cooperated with party committees, authorities, the political system, and people across the country in disease prevention and control, actively participating in the fight against the pandemic and helping affected people across the country. The actions have demonstrated the spirit of solidarity, mutual love, and responsibility to the country during difficult times.

The Deputy Prime Minister suggested that in 2022, the Party committees and authorities at all levels need to continue to mobilize and call on people in general and Catholics, in particular, to effectively participate in the fight against the pandemic, restore and develop the socio-economy, take good care of the people's well-being, and realize the goals of 2022 and the following years.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that the Party and State always respect and guarantee human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and religion; pay attention to and create favorable conditions for religious organizations to operate under the Constitution and the law.

The Deputy Prime Minister hoped that Catholic priests, clergymen, and followers would continue to observe the guidelines and policies of the Party and the State's laws, promote the cultural-historical traditions, and the spirit of national unity; continue to implement the Pope's teaching "good Catholics are good citizens" with the spirit of "Loving God, being patriotic" and the direction of "Following the Gospel in the heart of the nation towards happiness for all" of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, building a united, stronger and brighter Vietnam.

On this occasion, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh visited Phu Cam Principal Parish, sending best wishes to Father Nguyen Van Tuyen - Pastor of Phu Cam Principal Parish and parishioners on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year 2022.

Below are images from Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh’s visit in Hue:

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh talking with Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh conveying Christmas and New Year 2022 wishes to Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh, priests, clergymen, and Catholic followers

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Le Truong Luu and Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Phuong presenting Christmas flowers to Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh presenting Christmas gifts to Archbishop Nguyen Chi Linh

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh presenting Christmas gifts to Father Nguyen Van Tuyen - Pastor of Phu Cam Principal Parish

The delegation visiting the parishioners and wishing them a Merry Christmas

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh visiting the economic development model of parishioner Ho Lam’s family

The delegation and leaders of the province, ministries and branches posing for photos at the Catholic Archdiocese of Hue

Story and photos: Thai Binh