Apostolic Nuncio’s Visit to Clergy Home
On 3rd December 2022 the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, paid a visit to “Casa Urbina” Clergy Home, Alto Porvorim at 6. 30 p. m. Apart from the 8 Priests inmates and the staff of the Home, also present were some religious sisters of the JMJ Congregation, a few staff members and doctors of the JMJ Hospital, and some lay collaborators and friends of Casa Urbina were present at the reception held at the “Casa Urbina Hall”.
The Director, Fr. Boniface Furtado, welcomed the Chief Guest, as well as our Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão and the other guests present. He provided some data about the Clergy Home and wished all a pleasant evening. The Asst. Director Fr. Kevan Rodrigues shared his experience of “apostolate of presence” among the Priest inmates. Fr. Evaristo da Gama pointed out the loving care offered not only by the staff of the Clergy Home, but also by the JMJ Sisters who run their hospital nearby. Cardinal Ferrão expressed his appreciation for the good work of all those serving the Clergy Home and emphasized the positive contribution of the elderly priests for the growth of the Church and God’s reign.
The Apostolic Nuncio expressed his satisfaction at the good care provided at “Casa Urbina” and conveyed the greetings and good wishes of Pope Francis. A cultural troupe and a serenader presented some Goan dances and traditional Konkani dulpods. The program, which was ably compered by Mr. Allan Pinto, ended with a vote of thanks by the Director, the blessing of the Apostolic Nuncio, and the singing of the hymn “Sam Fransisk Xaviera”.
Clergy Home, Alto Porvorim.