A farewell Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra on Sunday celebrated both Archbishop Charles Balvo’s retirement as apostolic nuncio and the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. Source: Catholic Voice.
Archbishop Balvo is set to leave Australia on June 21 after Pope Leo XIV accepted his resignation upon his turning 75. The New York native’s retirement officially begins on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, which also marks 21 years since he began his work as a papal representative.
Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse thanked Archbishop Balvo for his five-year service to the Church in Australia.
“Tonight in the Mass and the function afterwards, we farewell him and offer him God’s blessing and our deepest thanks,” Archbishop Prowse said.
Archbishop Prowse pointed out how important the month of June has been in Archbishop Balvo’s life.
“On the 6th of June this day in 1976, he was ordained a priest. So today is his golden jubilee, 50 years of his anniversary of the priesthood.”
He also spoke about Archbishop Balvo’s work around the world.
“He served as apostolic nuncio in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, then in Kenya and South Sudan, and also as an observer at the United Nations. Later, he was nuncio in the Czech Republic, and finally, as a highlight of his career, became apostolic nuncio here in Australia.”
After the Mass, a reception was held where Archbishop Balvo received several farewell gifts to mark his retirement and golden jubilee. These included an Indigenous artwork and a special musical tribute from the Canberra Bach Ensemble.
Recalling how he first became acquainted with the Canberra Bach Ensemble, Archbishop Balvo said, “I have become a supporter. I buy the most expensive seats so that I can at least support you with that.”
He shared that before returning to the United States, he would first travel to Rome.
“I still have two more weeks here, and then go to Rome on June 21 to have my farewell visits to our superiors, including the Holy Father.”
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Archbishop Charles Balvo farewelled as Apostolic Nuncio concludes Australian mission (By Jeanine Doyle, Catholic Voice)
