“I am very happy to be among you”: Vatican Secretary of State on Arrival in Burundi for Weeklong Pastoral Visit

Addressing the people of God at the Apostolic Nunciature, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception. “I am very happy to be among you,” Cardinal Parolin said, and added, “Thank you for the reception, and may God bless you.”

During the August 12-18 visit, the Vatican Secretary of State is scheduled to meet with Church leaders, government authorities, and various communities, encouraging them in faith and promoting dialogue and peace.

Credit: Radio Maria Burundi

On Wednesday, August 13, Cardinal Pariol is to preside over Holy Mass, to be followed by a meeting with CECAB members.

Later in the day, the Vatican Cardinal is to meet with President Évariste Ndayishimiye at the State House. He is to be present at the signing of specific agreements between the Episcopal Conference of Burundi and the Government.

More in Africa

South African Catholic Bishop Known for Liturgical Reform at Conference Dies at 76

Read the article

On Thursday, August 14, Cardinal Parolin is to preside over the inauguration of a monument and lay the foundation stone for a new Health Center in honor of the late Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi, Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney, who lost his life in service to the country.

Credit: Radio Maria Burundi

Appointed by Pope John Paul II as Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi in August 2000, the Irish-born Papal diplomat was assassinated in December 2003, while serving in the East African nation.

On Friday, August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Vatican Secretary of State is to travel to the Marian Shrine of Mugera, where he is scheduled to preside over Holy Mass, before proceeding to Gitega, Burundi’s political and administrative capital, to meet with local communities and Church leaders.

Saturday, August 16, will be dedicated to encounters with the members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL).

Credit: Radio Maria Burundi

Cardinal Parolin is to celebrate Holy Mass with Seminarians and Major Superiors of Male and Female ICLSAL members. He is to inaugurate a memorial to Archbishop Courtney at the Apostolic Nunciature, followed by a reception with members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Burundi.

The weeklong visit is to conclude on Sunday, August 17, with the Closing Holy Mass of the Jubilee marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Burundi and the Holy See.

Credit: Radio Maria Burundi

This Eucharistic celebration is to take place at the Shrine of Our Lady Thrice Admirable of Schoenstatt, a site of special significance as it is where St. John Paul II celebrated Mass during his visit in September 1990.

(Story continues below)

Credit: Radio Maria Burundi

Cardinal Parolin is scheduled to leave Burundi on Monday, August 18.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.