ZAMBIA: Catholic Church Welcomes New Apostolic Nuncio
New Nuncio of Zambia received and welcomed by Zambians at the Airport
Songs, dances and Jubilations met the new Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia H.E. Most Rev. Gianfranco Gallone at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as he arrives in the country on Friday, 26th April to begin his mission. The Clergy led by all the Zambian Catholic Bishops except two, the religious men and women and the lay faithful congregated at the airport to receive their new nuncio.
Addressing the congregation at the airport, Rt. Rev. George Cosmas Zumaire Lungu, the president of Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops and Bishop of Chipata Diocese said that the arrival of the new nuncio signified that the Catholic Church in Zambia is no longer orphan.
to Zambia addressing journalist at Kenneth Kaunda Airport,
Lusaka upon his arrival. Looking are ZCCB Chairman
Rt. Rev. George Lungu and Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde,
Chairman of AMECEA and Bishop of Solwezi
“Allow me first to thank God for this special gift to Zambia, we are no longer orphans. Him being among us is the physical presence and expression of the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis. We see him, we see our Pope,” Bishop Lungu expressed referring to the new nuncio and adding that the presence of Archbishop Gallone in Zambia means an experience of the universal Church, that Zambians are part of the universal Church whose boundary goes beyond the borders of the country.
Bishop Lungu thanked the many Zambians who came to the airport to receive and welcome their new nuncio whom he said his arrival and presence is indeed a real cause of “our joy and celebration.”
Archbishop Gallone on his part expressed great joy as he greets the people who came to receive and welcome him at the airport.
I am so happy to finally have arrive in Lusaka, Zambia to start my mission today in the name of the Holy Father. He is sending his special Apostolic Blessings to you and upon your families and upon the whole country,” he said adding that “We have to thank the Risen Lord who gives us strength and power to show how beautiful our faith is; the faith of love, justice and brotherhood. We have to start with Jesus our Risen Lord to transform our society; giving peace, reconciliation and what we need to have a great offer for our future and we have to support each other with prayer.”
The new Apostolic Nuncio expressed that without prayers, it is impossible to have the power look for the future. “I want to invoke upon you, upon all the people that have come here to give me this kind welcome, the blessings of the Lord. May the Almighty God bless you in name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit,” Archbishop Gallone said as he blessed the congregation at the airport and thanked them in Chichewa language saying “Zikomo kwa mbili.”
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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
