SVG Catholics greet Pope’s representative

by Enrico Deshong Fri, May 18. 2012

Last Friday, Catholics in St Vincent and the Grenadines were given the opportunity to meet and greet the Pope’s representative to the Caribbean, His Excellency Archbishop Nicola Girasoli.{{more}}

On Friday morning, he was greeted by students and teachers of schools along North River Rd and Fernside/Wilson Hill. First St Mary’s RC School, St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, The School for Children with Special Needs and finally St Martin’s Secondary school. The students lined the streets waving both the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and also the Papal flag.

His Excellency was then escorted to the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua, where he was greeted with shouts and applause from both students and teachers and was presented with a gift basket by a student. He thanked the students for their overwhelming welcome and gift.

Later in the day, at 5:00 p.m, His Excellency concelebrated Holy Mass at the RC Cathedral in Kingstown. This Mass was attended by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his wife, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Girlyn Miguel, Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs Hon. Maxwell Charles, MP for Central Kingstown Hon. St Claire Leacock and his wife and Most. Rev. Bishop Leopold Friday of the Anglican Church, in his capacity of Chairman of the Christian Council.

Last Friday’s activities came as part of a special three-day visit by His Excellency to present his credentials to the Prime Minister and the Governor General. He also took the opportunity to meet with the local clergy.