According to Knight Great Cross Le Duc Thinh, 46 years of implementing the 1980 Joint Letter of the Vietnam Bishops' Conference has clearly proven that: when Catholics live true to the spirit of "living the Gospel in the heart of the nation", faith is not separated from the homeland and country but becomes a motivation to serve the Fatherland and serve the people. He emphasized that from the foundation of the 1980 Joint Letter with the spirit of "sticking with the fate of the homeland, integrating into the current life of the country", Vietnamese Catholics are increasingly deeply aware of their civic responsibility.
This is expressed not only in words but also in specific actions in education, health, social protection, care for the poor, accompanying the government in building new rural areas, protecting security and order, responding to natural disasters and epidemics... "Vietnamese Catholics today do not stand outside the problems of the country, but consider it their own responsibility. Loving the Fatherland, loving compatriots is not only a natural feeling but also a requirement of the Gospel," Knight Le Duc Thinh shared.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a very clear proof of that spirit of companionship. In the most difficult period, dioceses, parishes, religious orders and thousands of dignitaries, monks, and parishioners joined the State and the Fatherland Front to participate in epidemic prevention in many different ways: from donating money and food, organizing "rice ATMs", caring for vulnerable people, to hundreds of monks volunteering to go to the front lines to support field hospitals. It is in the hardship that the spirit of national unity is affirmed even more strongly.
When the country faces challenges, Catholics always believe that they have a responsibility to accompany the nation. That is not only patriotism but also the responsibility of faith," he said.
From the reality of many years of participating in social security activities across the country, he believes that the most precious thing that religion can contribute to the country is to nurture the foundation of social morality, arouse compassion, spirit of sharing and sense of community responsibility. He especially emphasized the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front as a common home gathering all classes, all religions, all classes of people to jointly aim for the goal of national development.
Under the common roof of the Front, religious compatriots have more conditions to contribute to society, so that religion is associated with life, so that the spirit of charity meets the spirit of great national unity," Knight Le Duc Thinh shared.
He also believes that the core point to promote religious resources lies in creating an environment of dialogue, trust and cooperation between the State, the Front and religious organizations. When differences are respected, when the voices of religions are heard and accompanied, the positive values of religion such as compassion, spirit of responsibility, and community awareness will be further promoted.
Reality shows that in many localities, the coordination between the government, the Fatherland Front and religious dignitaries has brought practical effectiveness in caring for people's lives, especially in areas with many difficulties.
Entering a new era, an era of aspiration to develop a rich and powerful country, according to Knight of the Great Cross Le Duc Thinh, the requirement is not only economic growth, but also harmonious and inclusive development, not leaving anyone behind. In that goal, religion can contribute with its own strengths: nurturing moral values, spreading the spirit of sharing, and arousing a sense of responsibility to the community and the country.
Every citizen, regardless of religion, is aware that they are both religious and citizens, so the strength of great unity will become a strong internal driving force for development," he said.
Recalling the nearly half-century journey of Vietnamese Catholicism accompanying the nation, Knight Le Duc Thinh said that today, that companionship needs to be elevated to a new level: not only sharing difficulties but also building development together. In the new era, religion can become an important resource contributing to building a humane, inclusive and sustainable society through moral education, social charity activities, caring for vulnerable people and consolidating people's trust.
A country that wants to develop sustainably cannot only be strong in economy but must also be rich in humanity and solidarity. I believe that religions, including Catholicism, under the common roof of the Front will continue to be an important part of that strength," Knight Great Cross Le Duc Thinh affirmed.
The Knight title dates back to 1831, expressing the Pope's gratitude to the parishioners who have made great contributions to the church and society. The Great Cross Knight is one of the highest ranks. Mr. Le Duc Thinh and his wife, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen, were granted the title of Great Cross Knight and Great Cross Lady by Pope Benedict 16 on June 12, 2007. Since 1831, there have been 13 Great Cross Knights in the world, of which Mr. Le Duc Thinh is the first Asian to be granted the title by the Pope. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen is also the first woman to be granted the title of Great Cross Knight by the Pope.
