Home Minister extends Christmas greetings to An Giang Catholics

An Giang (VNA) – A delegation from the Ministry of Home Affairs led by Minister Le Vinh Tan visited and extended Christmas greetings on December 17 to bishops and priests of Long Xuyen Diocese and Catholic followers in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang.

Minister Tan conveyed his wishes to Long Xuyen Diocese’s dignitaries and Catholic followers for a joyful, peaceful, and happy Christmas and upcoming new year.  

He recognised and hailed the contributions of bishops and priests, as well as Catholics in Long Xuyen Diocese to socio-economic development in the locality over the years and the reinforcement of a great national unity bloc.

The official affirmed the Party and State’s consistent policy of respecting and observing the right to belief and religious freedom of the people, while encouraging and creating favourable conditions for people in practicing their religions and improving their living conditions.

He said that he hopes in the future, the government of An Giang will design more policies to support the diocese and local Catholics in religious activities, as well as boost economic development, thus building a prosperous province.

Huynh Phuoc Lam, chief representative of the Long Xuyen Diocese, said that the visit showed the Party, State, and local government’s attention paid to religious organisations in the province.

Lam noted that so far, the Long Xuyen Diocese has raised more than 30 billion VND (1.29 million USD) to support the needy and joined hands with the local government in building new-style rural areas.

He pledged that local Catholics will continue implementing policies of the Party and State, while working with the local government to reinforce the great national unity bloc.

During the visit, Minister Tan presented gifts to bishops and priests at the Long Xuyen Diocese. –VNA