Nguyen Hung

For the prelates, the family is "the first educational centre for children", the cradle where vocations are nurtured. Prayer helps "boost the faith and restore joy". For Saigon archbishop, parents are responsible for passing on the faith to their children. The missionary task is to proclaim Christ to neighbours, especially non-believers.

The number of HIV-positive cases is constantly rising, especially in Vietnam's northern provinces. At present, 213,000 people have been infected with the virus, left alone and shunned by their families. Thanks to the efforts of Card Pham Minh Man, the Archdiocese of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) has adopted pro-active programmes of support and help, for Christians and non-Christians.

11 years after his death , Ho Chi Minh City hosts a solemn ceremony in memory of the Vietnamese cardinal . The prelate "practiced the Catholic virtues in a heroic way" and is an example for today's faithful , who suffer persecution. Projection of images of his life ahead of Mass.

Bishop Paul Nguyen Cong Hoan presided over Fr Joseph Dang Van Tiep's ordination. More than 40 priests and a thousand people are present at the event. In his homily, the bishop expressed gratitude for the "gift" of a priest, a source of "encouragement" for the whole community. Operating since 1995, the community is now awaiting for Holy See approval.

On the eve of Trương Tan Sang’s US visit, over 10 thousand Vietnamese sign an open letter to U.S. President: "Before making economic or military concessions, ask for the release of political prisoners, greater democracy and true religious freedom in Vietnam."

Starting today till Friday, a Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn will meet Under-Secretary for Relations with States Mgr Antonio Camilleri. In recent months, the Communist state has cracked down on human rights activists, Catholics included.

Set up in 2003, the 'Catholic Entrepreneur Family' marks its tenth anniversary with a series of events, including a special Mass celebrated by the archbishop. Card Phan Minh Manh calls on everyone to boost unity and cooperation, as well as share knowledge with the younger generation. The president of the association of Catholics entrepreneurs calls for evangelisation at home and inside companies.

In the Year of Faith, the parish of Vuon Xoai celebrates the mission among the Montagnards. A 800 km long journey to bring the Word of God and celebrate Mass "every two weeks." The faithful ask for the creation of a stable community and the presence of priests. A " long cultivated” wish.

On April 24, the appeal process begins for the 14 young people convicted with ranging sentences on "terrorism" charges. At least 29 thousand people have signed a petition for the "young patriots" acquittal. Signatories include bishops, priests and Buddhist monks. The group increasingly "icons" of the "non-violent" struggle against corruption.

For the State Department she is among the 10 "most courageous" women in the world for her pro-freedom fight. She must serve 10 years in prison for "subversive" activities and "slanderous" writing against the government and the Party. In reality, she denounced rampant corruption and the distortions of the Vietnamese legal system. Hanoi and on-line repression.

Tensions in the South and East China Seas dominated talks between Japanese and Vietnamese leaders. Japan announces a US$ 500 million loan to Vietnam for infrastructural development. Tokyo shows caution on Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute to protect its economic interests.

Nguyen Van Hai, his son, Nguyen Tri Dung and Maria Ta Phong Tan, were convicted of subversive propaganda against the state. They fought for the respect of human rights and against corruption in the party. The Prime Minister ordered all the organs of the regime to stop the spread of "subversive" internet sites and blogs at all costs. On December 27, another blogger, the Catholic Le Quoc Quan, arrested for tax evasion. The authorities want to stop his activities in favor of democracy and religious freedom.