Eleven individuals received the "Accompanying the Nation in 2017" commemorative medal.

On the morning of July 20th, the Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province held a conference to review its activities during the first six months of 2018 and to plan tasks for the remaining six months. The conference was chaired by Father Nguyen Dang Dien, Chairman of the Provincial Catholic Solidarity Committee, and the Vice-Chairmen. Also in attendance were representatives from the Provincial Party Committee's Mass Mobilization Department, the Religious Affairs Department of the Provincial Department of Internal Affairs, leaders from the PA88 unit (Nghe An Provincial Police), and representatives from the Fatherland Front Committees of 15 districts, cities, and towns with Catholic communities. Photo: My Nga.

In the first six months of 2018, the Catholic community enthusiastically participated in patriotic emulation movements and campaigns such as: "All people unite to build new rural areas, civilized urban areas, and live a good and virtuous life," "Fund for the Poor," "Vietnamese people prioritize using Vietnamese goods," etc. In the first six months of the year, the Catholic community in Nghe An donated over 8,000 square meters of land.²They cleared land, dismantled 2,802m of boundary walls, contributed 3,179 man-days of labor, and donated over 3.5 billion VND to build new rural roads, constructing 24,600m of rural concrete roads.

Catholic communities in the province have boldly invested in and applied scientific and technological advancements to develop production and livestock farming, resulting in the emergence of many exemplary economic models that generate high incomes.

The parishioners faithfully abide by the policies and guidelines of the Party, the laws of the State, and local regulations, working together to build a safe and secure parish and residential area, actively preventing crime and social evils, and effectively implementing the established community rules and customs.

Parish pastoral councils, together with the government, the Fatherland Front, various organizations, and relevant sectors, have promptly resolved cases in a reasonable and compassionate manner, providing timely education and contributing to reducing discord in families and society, fostering solidarity and neighborly love, and helping each other to progress.

Catholic parishioners in Nghi Van commune (Nghi Loc district) voluntarily donated land for the construction of rural roads. (Photo: Archival image)

At the conference, delegates were also briefed on the Law on Beliefs and Religions and Decree No. 162/2017/ND-CP detailing and implementing the Law on Beliefs and Religions.

In its work orientation for the last six months of 2018, the Provincial Committee for Solidarity of Catholics focused on promoting widespread dissemination of the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and the Law on Beliefs and Religions among Catholic communities. In addition, the Provincial Committee for Solidarity of Catholics closely coordinated with the Fatherland Front Committees at all levels, strengthening its presence at the grassroots level, encouraging and promptly reflecting the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the Catholic community.

The Catholic Bishops' Conferences at all levels continue to play the role of a "bridge," coordinating well with religious leaders and officials to widely mobilize the Catholic community to enthusiastically participate in labor and production emulation; actively respond to campaigns and emulations on "living a good life and upholding moral values"; and effectively implement the national unity policy, all working towards the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, and a just, democratic, and civilized society.

Chairman of the Provincial Committee for Solidarity of Catholics Nguyen Dang Dien presents the "Accompanying the Nation" commemorative medal for 2017 to individuals who have made outstanding contributions. Photo: My Nga.

On this occasion, 11 individuals were honored with the "Accompanying the Nation in 2017" commemorative medal.

Eleven individuals received the "Accompanying the Nation in 2017" commemorative medal.

1. Father Pham Xuan Ke - Parish Priest, Dean of Dong Thap Deanery, Dien Hong Commune, Dien Chau District.

2. Mr. Nguyen Van Chuong - Head of the Catholic Affairs Department, Religious Affairs Committee of Nghe An Province.

3. Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoai - Head of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Department, Provincial Party Committee's Mass Mobilization Department.

4. Mr. Tran Xuan Sy - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.

5. Mr. Vo Van Duong - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.

6. Mr. Tran Van Duc - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.

7. Mr. Nguyen Mai Thang - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.

8. Mr. Nguyen Manh Huong - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.

9. Ms. Ngo Thi Thuan - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.

10. Mr. Nguyen Van Nien - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.

11. Mr. Nguyen Van Minh - Member of the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee of Nghe An province.