The Apostolic Nunciature celebrated the National Day of the Holy See with some members of the Diplomatic Corps.
The Apostolic Nunciature of Manila hosted a dinner for the Diplomatic Corps and friends of the Nunciature on the eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, fondly called Pope's Day and the National Day of the Holy See.
It was the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that the Nunciature was able to host the event publicly again and the first time for the incumbent Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles John Brown, who arrived in Manila on November 28, 2020, to host the event.
Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr., Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown, Msgr. Julien Kabore of the Apostolic Nunciature.
Momentous Hiatus
The Nuncio welcomed Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., guest of honor, and Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, before giving his Welcome Remarks. Also present were the Ambassadors of Israel, Germany, Argentina, Timor-Leste, as well as the Consul of Monaco.
In his speech, Archbishop Brown said that "Finally today after a hiatus of 3 years our festivities continue with lots of joy. And it is fitting today this evening that we give thanks to God that the pandemic though not ended has certainly receded or subsided and allowed us to return to a semblance of normal life."
He added, to the laughter of the audience, "We Catholics are still waiting to hear the words, 'The MASK is ended, go in peace' ... excuse the pun ..."
He noted that it's been "a momentous 3 years", with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle being assigned as head of the Dicastery for Evangelization in Rome; and Cardinal Jose Advincula, who was present at the dinner, being appointed Archbishop of Manila.
Pope's Letter to Bongbong Marcos
He also read the message of Pope Francis for President-elect Bongbong Marcos, who will be inaugurated on June 30, 2022. The Nuncio relayed the message of Pope Francis who said,
"He and his administration can be sure of the collaboration and support of the Catholic Church and the Holy See as he takes on the weighty responsibilities of his office."
The Nuncio proceeded to read the letter of Pope Francis to Marcos Jr:
Ukraine
The Nuncio also mentioned international situations that are "deeply troubling" such as the armed aggression against Ukraine, which the Pope has called "the nightmare of war", and said that the Pope hopes for real talks for a ceasefire.
75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
On a happier note, the Nuncio mentioned the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See: "We were very happy to celebrate last year the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See."
He also had kind words for the Philippines and Filipinos:
"What a joy it is to be here in the Philippines which has the third largest Catholic population in the world. For me it is an honor and a privilege to represent Pope Francis in this great nation."
He also thanked Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. for his kindness, expertise and availability to the Diplomatic Corps.
He then invited everyone to join him in a toast: "To the well-being, happiness, progress and prosperity of the Filipino nation, so dear to the heart of Pope Francis, and to its leaders, to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. Mabuhay!"
/MS