The Apostolic Nuncio to Australia Archbishop Charles Balvo has visited a number of remote communities in the Diocese of Broome, describing his time there as one of “encounter”.
Upon his arrival in the Diocese, Archbishop Balvo cited Jesus’ call to his disciples to “Come and See!”
The Apostolic Nuncio, Pope Francis’s representative in Australia, was warmly welcomed across the Kimberley during the fourth week of Lent.
Responding to an invitation from Bishop Michael Morrissey, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, the Nuncio described his time as one of “encounter”.
He shared in a whole-day gathering of clergy, principals and lay leaders and was welcomed in the remote communities of Balgo, Beagle Bay, Lombadina, Djarindjin and Kalumburu.
“It was wonderful to have Archbishop Balvo celebrate the Mass of the Oils with the Kimberley Church,” Bishop Morrissey said.
“At a time in history when the Diocese has been literally cut in two as a result of the extraordinary flooding of the Fitzroy River in January, it was great to bring some of our Diocesan family together.”
The Nuncio also celebrated Mass at the Broome Campus of Notre Dame University as well as with Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral Parish for the fifth Sunday in Lent. He noted that this was his first real engagement with First Nations community members and joked that his phone battery had almost gone flat from capturing so much footage of the stunning landscapes that make up the Kimberley region.
“We felt very much at home with the Papal Nuncio,” said Aunty Shirley Quaresimin, member of the Cathedral Parish and Deputy Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council.
“We are grateful that he took the time to visit and sit with us. It was a privilege to share our faith and culture with him.”
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Nuncio visits Diocese of Broome (Diocese of Broome)
