Apostolic Nuncio visits Townsville

“Essentially what a nuncio is, you are the eyes, ears, hands, if you will, of the Holy Father, an extension of the Holy Father’s Ministry, because the Holy Father has his concern for the Church, for all aspects of its life.”

That is what His Excellency, Archbishop Charles Balvo said in his first interview since arriving in Australia earlier this year.

It was those words that prompted Bishop Tim Harris to invite the Nuncio to the Townsville Diocese recently.

“When I read his interview, I thought that I should invite His Excellency to North Queensland and share with him what gifts we have here in the Diocese,” Bishop Tim said.

“The invitation tied in with a few important events in the life of the Diocese and we added to create an experience of what makes the Diocese and community tick.”

These events included the opening and blessing of the new Benedictine Place at St Margaret Mary’s College as well as the 140th Anniversary of St Mary’s School and 120th Anniversary of Mt Carmel College in Charters Towers, both significant events and would provide the Nuncio with a sense of the character.

The Diocese has always had a strong relationship with the local communities in which we are established so a meeting with the Mayor of Townsville was top of the list.

“We were grateful that Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill was able to welcome His Excellency to Townsville and took the opportunity to discuss the strong relationship the Church has with the community” Bishop Tim said.

The Mayor, on behalf of the city, presented Archbishop Balvo with an Indigenous print which celebrated the Indigenous heritage that exists in the city.

While in the city, Archbishop Balvo also took time to meet with key Catholic agency leaders including Centacare North Queensland, Mary Mackillop Childcare North Queensland, Townsville Catholic Education and staff from the Diocesan office.

“I am having a wonderful visit to Townsville, taking time to understand the local community and meeting so many people who make up the Church in the Diocese and Australia,” Archbishop Charles said.

Bishop Tim Harris, TCE executive director Jacqui Farncis and Archbishop Charles Balvo blessing The Putney Collection.

Columba principal Melissa Turner, Archbishop Charles Balvo and Fr Emmanuel Anorue.

Archbishop Charles Balvo greeting Fr Sibichan Kaippanplackal.

Students attending the welcome mass for Apostolic Nuncio.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill with Archbishop Charles Balvo.

Columba Catholic College celebrations.