Yesterday afternoon, His Excellency, Luigi Ventura, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada was in Winnipeg (specifically the Cathedral of St-Boniface) to preside at the Installation of His Excellency, Albert Legatt, the newly-appointed Bishop of that Archdiocese.
At the same time, Luca Laruso, the current Counsellor to the Apostolic Nunciature in Canada was in Charlottetown, representing the Nuncio and the Holy Father at the Installation of Charlottetown's 13th bishop, His Excellency, Richard Grecco, who, until now, has served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto.
Not sure whether they travelled by night, but by the time the sun rose over Ottawa this morning, the whispers in the Loggia and elsewhere were that Archbishop Ventura has been appointed (as of today) as the Holy Father's representative in France. Within the next three months' time, Tio Luigi as he has become known among some friends, will take up residence in Paris. The challenges that face him are many, but given his stelar record for creating easy, joyful rapport with priests, laity and all leaders within and outside the Church, he's more than up to the task.
Tributes are pouring in, honoring the work that he has accomplished during his eight-year sojourn on Canadian soil. When he arrived, he admitted that his only knowledge of Canada was the saying that there were 'a few achres of snow' here. In this very short period, he's managed not only to seize the reality of faith life in Canada, but he's managed to put his stamp on the place, having played a part in the naming of many of our current Bishops.
For the gentleness with which you have always welcomed friends to 'the house of Peter', for your willingness to work so diligently and unselfishly for the good of the Church in this land, and most of all for the piece of your heart you have shared with us all, we give thanks to you and to our God. Bon voyage, tio Luigi. May God continue to guide and inspire you.
Ad multos annos!
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