2nd Semiannual Assembly of CBCV: the Third Day

Thursday, October 11, 2012, was the conclusion day of the 2nd Semiannual Assembly of CBCV, prior to the launching celebration of the Year of Faith and 80th Anniversary of the erection of Thanh Hóa Diocese on Friday, October 12.

In the morning of this last day of meetings, Bishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh, Vice President of CBCV, presented updates on the construction of CBCV’s offices for the Secretariat and other Bishops’ committees. Then, Bishop Thomas Vũ Đình Hiệu, Chair of CBCV’s Committee on Catholic Education, presented the assembly his researches for the establishment of the Theological Institute. There are two options: one is to start with the Pontifical College which modeled Pontifical College of Pius X once existed in Vietnam before 1975, then develop an Institute for Theology Studies. The second option is to begin with the establishment of National Institute for Theology. The assembly considered both challenges and advantages of each model yet could not reach a decision for this project until further researches to be conducted. In this morning session, the assembly also reviewed the final version of the Pastoral Letter of the Year of Faith for the Church in Vietnam, which will be issued shortly after the conclusion of this assembly.

Other items on the agenda were also discussed: ministry of social communication with FABC, support fund for retired priests, oversea Vietnamese, deaconate and presbyteral ministries. The Bishops also scheduled for the next assembly to be held at the Pilgrim Center of Our Lady of Bãi Dâu, Diocese of Bà Rịa.

The 2nd Semiannual Assembly in 2012 concluded around 4:00 PM with a conclusion speech by Archbishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Nhơn, President of CBCV. In his speech, Archbishop President evoked the Church in Vietnam to set out on the boat of evangelization and neo-evangelization to promote the faith.

In the evening, CBCV’s members attended a festive and prayerful event, hosted by the Diocese of Thanh Hóa, to celebrate 80th Anniversary of the erection of this diocese. The Church in Vietnam will launch the Year of Faith on the next day with a solemn celebration.

Communication Office of CBCV.

Source: cbcvienam.org