Papal envoy to visit
Apostolic Nuncio to visit Diocese of Charlottetown
It is a rare occasion when the Apostolic Nuncio makes a visit to an individual diocese, but this is what is occurring in Charlottetown during the early part of this month, says a news release from Bishop Richard Grecco.
“I am pleased to announce that the Most Reverend Luigi Bonazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, will be visiting the Diocese of Charlottetown during the period, June 10-13,” said Grecco said in the statement.
“It will be an honour to have his Excellency visit with us during these several days.”
The Apostolic Nuncio is the ambassador of the Vatican to the government of Canada and is the Papal Nuncio (representative of the Holy Father) to the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Canada. Archbishop Bonazzi has been a member of the diplomatic service of the Holy See for more than 35 years. He has served as Apostolic Nuncio to several other countries such as Cuba, Lithuania and Estonia, and most recently Latvia. It was in late 2013 that he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Canada and officially arrived in Canada in February 2014.
Bonazzi will concelebrate at the 10:30 a.m. mass at St. Dunstan’s Basilica on June 11. In the afternoon he will bring greetings at the official opening of Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre in Bayview.
“As well, during his stay his excellency will make a few courtesy calls to local dignitaries and will meet with the board of directors of St. Dunstan’s University Board,” said Grecco. “His visit enhances the diocesan celebration of our Canada 150 anniversary.”
“The Diocese of Charlottetown feels blessed that the Apostolic Nuncio has decided to come for this special visit. It is almost 40 years ago that the previous Apostolic Nuncio, Most Reverend Angelo Palmas, visited the Diocese. His visit will be a memorable time in the history of the diocese, “said Grecco.
For further information about the Apostolic Nuncio or his visit, contact the Diocesan Centre at 902-368-8005 or rc@ dioceseofcharlottetown.com.