Apart from the lay pilgrims, the Exposition received interest from numerous international delegations. Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute of the Secretariat of State led a distinguished nine-member delegation from the Vatican. The visiting Vatican delegation also included His Excellency Bishop George Koovakad, Cardinal-Elect, Coordinator of the Apostolic Journeys, Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández González, Chief of Protocol of the Holy See, who previously served as the Counsellor at the Vatican Embassy in New Delhi; His Excellency Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, Coadjutor Archpriest of the Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome; His Excellency Bishop Flaviano Rami Al-Kabalan, Apostolic Visitor for the Syrian Catholic faithful residing in Europe and Procurator of the Syrian Catholic Church in Rome; Dr. Melania Lermieri, Assistant for the Apostolic Journeys.
The delegation visited the holy relics, and the museum, and met with the Governor of Goa, P. S. Sreedharan Pillai at a special reception.
Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the third highest ranking official in the Catholic Church, bringing the blessings and greetings of Pope Francis, called for reinforcement of dialogue and investment in communication amongst the Church and authorities, said, “I am convinced that in countries [such as] India, the authorities and the Catholic Church and other religions… they make efforts to talk to each other and that is the best way to bring people and country together. He has… in his heart… Asia, because we know that the future of the world and future of the Church passes through India, through Asia and these people.”
Regarding the probability of the Papal visit, he mentioned, “During the last interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis, I know they spoke about India. I think this (visit) is always possible. He (Pope Francis) has a great love for India, and there is the possibility that when things are all ready, such a visit could happen,” he said.
Eco-friendly pilgrimage village in heritage vicinity |
He appreciated the joint effort between the Government and Church working for the Exposition. “Probably over eight million people will be visiting the exposition these days. It [shows] that people are working hard together with the Church,” Archbishop Parra added.
He highlighted that the heritage of St Francis Xavier is still present for all. “St Francis Xavier is one of the biggest missionaries we have in the Church. We realize that the heritage of Francis Xavier is still present, and an example for Bishops, priests, and Catholics for the entire population. Francis Xavier tried to do the best for the people that’s what Christ taught us.” He shared a message of love, emphasizing that to love God is to love others, and underscored the importance of doing one’s best for others.
Speaking about the recent appointment of Bishop George Koovakad, Cardinal-Elect, Coordinator of the Apostolic Journeys, he said, “We are happy that the Holy Father chose a good priest, Archbishop Koovakad, to represent the entire Catholic Church of India.”
Koovakad becomes the sixth cardinal from India, said, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, addressing the distinguished gathering at the Raj Bhavan. “With his appointment, we have six cardinals in India which tells us of the importance the Universal Church and Holy Father grants India.”
He added that Pope Francis is eager to visit India. He said, “I think it will be a great blessing. I know that Pope Francis is longing to visit India. I am sure your Excellency (Governor) can play a role in ensuring that an official written invitation is sent by our Union government to the Holy Father (Pope), so all of us can have the joy of having the Pope visit our country.”
