Apostolic Nuncio’s Visit.
24 June, 2024
His Excellency Archbishop Balvo visited our diocese to join the celebrations for Bishop Michael’s anniversary. Bishop Michael took the opportunity to show this representative of Pope Francis some parts of our beautiful diocese and introduce him to its agencies and staff.
During the week that Archbishop Balvo was here, Bishop Michael gave him an in depth tour of the parishes on the coast: Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, with a brief ‘breakfast’ trip to the Capricorn Coast.
In Bundaberg, Mass was celebrated with the priests of the parish at Holy Rosary Church. Following the Mass there was the opportunity to meet Archbishop Balvo and to congratulate Bishop McCarthy on his 10th anniversary as Bishop. Archbishop Balvo met a number of parishioners but was especially introduced to William, Indiana and Katerina as representatives of St Mary’s School.
During a visit to Chanel College in Gladstone, His Excellency Archbishop Balvo and Bishop McCarthy blessed a new classroom wing, Aquinas Wing . Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, Diocesan Director of Catholic Education, also was present for the opening, a significant occasion in the history of the College. The full story on the opening is in the News from Gladstone section.
In Mackay, there was a public reception on the 31st May. Archbishop Balvo assisted Bishop Michael in conferring Confirmation and First Communion on a number of candidates. The story of this celebration is covered in the News from Mackay section.
Archbishop Balvo spent time with the Diocesan staff. He visited the Catholic Education Office, CatholicCare Office and the Diocesan Financial Services.
The downside of Archbishop Balvo’s visit was the lack of time to tour the inland parishes of our very vast diocese.
We thank Archbishop Balvo for the interest and care he showed through this time and we wish him every blessing during his time of service in Australia.
