From Our Correspondent
TURA, March 1: His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio (Pope’s Ambassador) to India and Nepal, celebrated Holy Mass at the Cathedral Parish in Tura on Saturday, marking the first visit by a Nuncio to the Garo Hills in 22 years.
The visit, which carried both pastoral and diplomatic significance, saw the Nuncio accorded the status of a State Guest. During the Eucharistic celebration, he conveyed the blessings of the Holy Father and urged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and united in service.
A public reception then followed at the Sacred Heart Shrine, attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister described the Nuncio as a humble and approachable leader. He highlighted the transformative role of the Catholic Church in Meghalaya, particularly in education and healthcare.
Conrad added that the Nuncio’s first visit to the Garo Hills serves to further strengthen the faith of the local community.
In his address, the Apostolic Nuncio praised the region’s natural beauty and the deep-rooted traditions of the Garo people. He acknowledged the cooperation of the state government and the active role of the Catholic laity in public life.
He then spoke on the need to increase local vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Apostolic Nuncio observed that while the number of new priests is growing, it remains insufficient to meet the needs of the faithful as senior clergy age.
He then encouraged families to support their children in pursuing religious callings to ensure the future of the Church.
