The Pope's envoy, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, recently completed a three-day extensive visit to East Anglia.
His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, the Papal Nuncio to Great Britain, began his tour at Our Lady Immaculate and St Etheldreda in Newmarket on June 12.
His visit across the Diocese of East Anglia included stops in Poringland, Norwich, Quidenham, Walsingham and King’s Lynn, where he met priests, students, and parishioners.
In welcoming the Nuncio, Bishop Peter Collins said: “Your Excellency, it is my privilege and joy to welcome you to the Diocese of East Anglia.
"You come to us on visitation and we rejoice for your presence in our midst represents and manifests our bond with His Holiness Pope Francis as successor of St Peter.
During the visit, the Nuncio engaged in a Q&A session with clergy.
He shared his experience as a Vatican ambassador, drawing on his stints in Rwanda, Uganda, Morocco, Egypt, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan and Romania.
Archbishop Miguel Maury said England is now a land of mission.
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He said: "Someone important in the Vatican has said to me 'the English Catholic church is small but is very thinking.'"
He also brought a message from Pope Francis, expressing gratitude for their dedication: "One good example of a priest is worth many words – smile and be joyful.”
A highlight of this tour was a private visit to The National Stud in Newmarket, where the Archbishop blessed the Duke of Roxburghe Stallion Unit and met the Ascot Gold Cup winning racehorse, Stradivarius.
On June 12, a public Mass was celebrated at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich.
Pupils from schools led the readings and prayers, later getting the chance to meet the Nuncio.
His journey concluded at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in King’s Lynn.
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