On December 17, Trinh Van Quyet, Head of the Central Commission for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization, led a delegation to visit and offer Christmas wishes to Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese Joseph Nguyen Nang and Pastor Thai Phuoc Truong, President of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (Southern Region).

At the Archdiocese's headquarters, Quyet conveyed warm wishes for peace, happiness, and the abundant blessings of God in the upcoming new year 2026 to Archbishop Nguyen Nang, priests, religious brothers and sisters, parishioners of the Archdiocese, and Catholic followers nationwide.

Along with Christmas greetings, both sides shared their reflections and hopes for the nation’s future, highlighting the intersection of faith and civic responsibility as 2026 approaches.

Reflecting on the turbulent year of 2025, Quyet emphasized that although Vietnam faced numerous global and domestic challenges, including natural disasters, the year was also marked by extraordinary efforts from the entire political system.

Economic growth reached 8%, surpassing early concerns and creating a strong foundation for the country to enter a new era in 2026, striving for double-digit growth. This ambition, he said, reflects the collective dream of the Vietnamese people and the enduring vision of President Ho Chi Minh for a "more civilized, beautiful Vietnam that stands shoulder to shoulder with global powers."

Quyet underscored the strength of national unity behind this progress. In moments of hardship, such as natural disasters, the spirit of mutual support among Vietnamese people - regardless of religious affiliation - shone brightly.

“Whether religious or not, we all live for the common good, for peace and the happiness of the people. We are one family. Religious believers honor God, love their country, and serve the nation, working together to bring happiness to the people,” Quyet said.

In response, Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Party and State's attention.

He shared that Catholic communities are encouraged by the country's development and government initiatives - especially robust investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Priests and religious workers, he added, are fulfilling their duties according to Church principles, contributing to moral and cultural development through concrete actions - such as teaching parishioners to act with professional integrity, seek truth, avoid deceit, and practice compassion and kindness for the betterment of society. Catholics, he affirmed, are not only companions on the nation's journey, but an inseparable part of the Vietnamese identity.

At the headquarters of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (Southern Region), Quyet extended his warmest Christmas wishes to Pastor Thai Phuoc Truong, leaders of the General Assembly, clergy members, and all believers.

He stated that Christmas is no longer solely a religious holiday, but a celebration of love and peace shared by all. He praised the Evangelical community’s contributions to national development.

“I sincerely hope that Pastor Truong and the clergy will continue encouraging believers to spread love and unity. Every Vietnamese person contributes to our shared strength, helping us fulfill our development goals and bring happiness to our people,” he said.

In his response, Pastor Thai Phuoc Truong expressed joy and gratitude for the Party and State’s ongoing support of the Church’s activities, which have existed alongside the nation's history for over 100 years.

Echoing the inclusive spirit of Christmas, Pastor Truong said the holiday has grown into a cultural tradition beyond religious boundaries.

“The spirit of Christmas is love and peace. Despite the challenges of 2025, including natural disasters, we see it through faith as ‘divine grace’ - a blessing from God that enables Vietnamese people to grow stronger and embrace peace and progress,” Pastor Thai Phuoc Truong said.

Quoc Ngoc