Hoa Hao Buddhists celebrate founder’s birthday

VOVNews.vn, Dec 21, 2008

An Giang, Vietnam -- Thousands of followers of the Hoa Hao Buddhist sect celebrated the 89th birthday of the sect’s founder, Venerable Prophet Huynh Phu So, at An Hoa pagoda in the Mekong delta province of An Giang on Dec. 21.

In line with the prophet’s teachings, Hoa Hao Buddhist followers have always abided by the laws and joined efforts with people nationwide in the common cause of national development. They have annually raised millions of Vietnamese dong to help poor people throughout the country.

This year alone, Hoa Hao Buddhist followers contributed more than VND37.7 billion to the building of 2,020 houses for the poor and the provision of free meals to poor patients. Their donations have helped build 36 bridges and upgrade more than 100 km of rural roads.

The provincial leaders praised the Hoa Hao Buddhist followers for their active participation in social and charity activities and their contributions to the national unity and socio-economic development.

The Hoa Hao Buddhist Sect was founded by Venerable Prophet Huynh in An Giang province in 1939 and has expanded to 15 provinces and cities. The sect has more than 2 million followers. It has established 304 local managing committees and 39 places of worship.
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