This nail clipper was gifted to Father Nguyễn Hữu Lễ by a fellow prisoner during his 11 years in Northern Vietnamese prisons (1976-1988), including the Quyết Tiến disciplinary camp (“Heaven’s Gate”). He carried this clipper when he escaped by boat in 1989 and during his time in a refugee camp in Thailand. The clipper then came with him as he relocated to New Zealand, under the invitation of Bishop Denis Browne to serve the Auckland Diocese. He became the diocese's parish priest in 1994. Through the 1990s–2000s, Father Lễ traveled widely advocating for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom in Vietnam. He stepped down as parish priest in 2007 to focus on global community work, continuing as Chaplain in Auckland and as a representative of the National Movement to Restore the Name Saigon.
Object donated to the Vietnamese Heritage Museum by Nguyễn Hữu Lễ
Gifted to Father Nguyễn Hữu Lễ by a close friend during his 11 years in prisons in Northern Vietnam, including time at Quyết Tiến disciplinary camp near the Chinese border, also known as Heaven’s Gate Prison.
Traveled with Father Nguyễn Hữu Lễ as he escaped by boat to a refugee camp in Thailand.
Traveled with Father Nguyễn Hữu Lễ to Auckland, New Zealand where he was invited by Bishop Denis Browne to New Zealand to serve the Vietnamese Catholic community in Auckland Diocese.
Traveled with Father Nguyễn Hữu Lễ during the 1990s-2000s when he traveled extensively worldwide to advocate for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom in Vietnam.
Donated to the Vietnamese Heritage Museum by Father Nguyễn Hữu Lễ.