Together with millions of Catholics all over the world, VietnameseCatholics celebrated the Easter Day, one of the most importantcelebrations of Catholic followers in the year.

Many churches in the capital city of Hanoi held Mass on the morning of April 24.

At the capital’s Cathedral, the Mass was chaired by Hanoi ArchbishopPhero Nguyen Van Nhon with the presence for the first time of adignitary of the Vatican , Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, non-residentrepresentative of the Holy See to Vietnam .

During the ceremony, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli emphasised thesignificance of the Easter, which marks a new life - the life of hopeand love, and called on parishioners to together share hopes and lovewith others.

He said he was pleased to visitVietnam for the first time and attend the celebration for theResurrection of Jesus at the capital city’s Cathedral as well asexpressed hope to have more opportunities to visit the VietnameseCatholic community.

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli’svisit showed great developments in the Vietnam-Vatican relations,especially after meetings of the Vietnam-Vatican Joint Working Group,and represented the two sides’ aspirations and goodwill for cooperation.

After attending the Mass in Hanoi , ArchbishopLeopoldo Girelli will take part in the first annual conference of theVietnam Bishops’ Council in Ho Chi Minh City and visit severallocal parishes.

The Easter Day (also called EasterSunday, Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday) is held to commemorateJesus’ return from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion./.