ZAMBIA: Catholic Church in Zambia Welcomes New Nuncio for Malawi, Zambia
Winfield Kunda
Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops and representatives of the Catholic faithful from all Catholic dioceses and archdioceses of Zambia have officially welcomed the Nuncio His Excellency Gian Luca Perici who was recently appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi.
Archbishop Perici was welcomed during the Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka where the launch of the Jubilee celebration of the Small Christian Communities also took place.
In his vote of thanks, Archbishop Perici thanked the Catholic Church in Zambia for welcoming him. He said his appointment by Pope as Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi is a sign of communion and unity between the Holy See and the local Church.
“The mission of the Apostolic Nuncio the Holy Father, Pope Francis has entrusted to me to show communion between particular Churches and the universal church. The mission of the Pontifical representative is in fact to render the Holy Father’s concern for the local Churches,” Archbishop Perici said.
The Nuncio also noted that it will be his role to execute his apostolic action of representing the Holy Father between the Church in Zambia as well as the Holy See and the State.
“The Nuncio is expected to carry out the teaching of the Holy Father to the Churches and the State where he is sent. In special way, the Nuncio is there to convey the teachings that concerns the dignity of human person and for the concern of the poor in society, promoting peace and fraternity among different peoples,” Archbishop Perici said.
The Nuncio also congratulated the Catholic Church in AMECEA in general and in Zambia in particular for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of Small Christian Communities.
“This Golden jubilee is a gracious moment for you as you reflect on the fundamental values of Small Christian Communities and the pastoral impact they have had on your local Churches for the past 50 Years. It is my wish that Small Christian Communities will always be communities which pray and listen to God always and assist members to care for one another and participate in the mission of Church,” Archbishop Perici.
Bishop Charles Kasonde, ZCCB Vice President and AMECEA Chairperson presented a gift to the Nuncio as a sign of welcome.
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