Over the weekend, he was able to visit three parishes where he presided at Mass: Sunset Mass at Stella Maris Tanjung Aru Oct 29, 9:00 am English Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing Oct 30 and 5:00 pm Mass at St Thomas Kepayan Oct 30.
In all the parishes he visited he explained that in his capacity as a papal representative, he imparted to them the Holy Father's greetings and blessings.
He even spoke a few words in Bahasa Malaysia, which engendered an applause from the people, as he has been posted to Indonesia and Timor Leste in 2006 prior to his posting as apostolic nuncio to Singapore, apostolic delegate to Malaysia and Brunei and non-resident pontifical representative for Vietnam on Jan 13 this year.
He is based in Singapore instead of in Bangkok as was done previously.
He visited the Diocesan Offices at the Archdiocesan Centre Penampang, Catholic Sabah, the Resource Centre and the Aspirants Formation House Oct 31 before leaving for the airport.
Upon his arrival Oct 29 he visited the Carmelite Sisters at their monastery in Karamunsing.
He also met with the cathedral parish leaders at a reception after the Mass Oct 30 at the parish centre.
The people had the time of their lives posing with him, which he obliged willingly, by group, ministry, community, family or couple.
In his meeting with the clergy and religious on the night of Oct 30 at Vianney Home Dontozidon, he exhorted the clergy to live out the signs of their priesthood which are found at Mass: the altar (life of sacrifice), the chair (leadership) and the ambo (preaching the Word).
In turn, he told the religious present (Daughters of St Paul, Franciscan Sisters, Good Shepherd Sisters, La Salle Brother) that it is their duty to pray for the clergy so that they will be faithful to their ministry and so that they will collaborate better in the mission.
After dinner, there was an open forum moderated by Archbishop John Lee.
The apostolic delegate clarified the question asked on the diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Malaysia.
He explained that the Vatican is in the process of appointing an apostolic nuncio (in diplomatic terms, an ambassador) to Malaysia, separate from Singapore.
They have found a place for the nunciature in Kuala Lumpur.
Born in Predore Italy, the 58-year-old apostolic delegate also shared briefly about his vocation to the priesthood, his desire to be a parish priest.
After serving two parishes, he obeyed his bishop to study at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.
Since his arrival in the region on March 15, he has already visited Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese May 18-22, Melaka-Johor Diocese June 25-26 and Penang Diocese Sept 24-25.
