AFRICA : KENYA : NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO ARRIVES

CISA NEWS REPORT

New-Apostolic-Nuncio-Jets-In
NAIROBI, April 12, 2013 (CISA) -The long awaited Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo who was appointed by the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI in January has arrived in the country.
Addressing journalists shortly after his arrival at the Kenyatta International Airport, early Friday morning, the Nuncio expressed his joy and excitement to work among the African people and more so the Kenyans terming it as an honour.
The Pope’s representative to Kenya said the Church was delighted at the election of His Holiness, Pope Francis who has chosen to live a simple life just as St Francis of Assisi did.
“The Pope prefers to interact with the people at different capacities and to say Mass for different groups instead of the usual routine of doing things all by himself. He wants to be part of a community,” the Nuncio remarked.
In so doing, the prelate said the Pope has a vision which has great impact on the church at large.
Archbishop Balvo said he had met Pope Francis before embarking on his maiden trip to Kenya to take up his appointment and was touched by his humility especially when the Holy Father asked him to pray for him. “The Holy Father gave me great words of encouragement. What he seeks from all of us are prayers and support so that he can carry on his mission.”
Until his appointment Archbishop Burvo was serving as Apostolic Nuncio in New Zealand and has also served 10 other Pacific Ocean nations, including Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Marshall Islands. He succeeds French-born Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin who was appointed in June last year as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union after serving for over 7 years in Kenya.
Among those at the airport to welcome him were His Eminence, John Cardinal Njue, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth of Kisumu Archdiocese, the Bishop of Malindi Diocese, Rt Rev Emmanuel Barbara and Monsignor Javier Corona who is a counselor to UNEP and UN – Habitat among other dignitaries.
On his part, Cardinal Njue said the coming of the new Nuncio was an important occasion for the Catholic Church in Kenya. “The country has been waiting anxiously for this day. This day is also special in that it is coming at a time when the bishops are having their Plenary Assembly. I hope His Excellency can find time to meet the bishops during their meeting.”
Archbishop Okoth invited the Nuncio to enjoy the beauty of Kenya as he visited the dioceses where the Catholic fraternity will be glad to welcome him. “Your coming here makes us feel that the Church in Kenya is not isolated. Seeing you today reminds us of the unity of the Universal Church.”
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