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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider New Papal Nuncio impressed by Filipinos' faith

New Papal Nuncio impressed by Filipinos' faith

Published Jan 11, 2021 02:50 pm

New Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles Brown said he was “blown away” by the faith and deep religiosity of the Filipino people.

Catholoc aithfuls flock to Plaza Miranda to participate at the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday (JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN)

"I was just blown away by the faith of the people. Such a devout, deeply religious people which was for me a great joy to see,"he said during his pastoral visit on-the-air at Radio Veritas, Monday.

"As all of you know, in many parts of the world, (the) Catholic faith maybe is being practiced (with) less intensely than it once was (before). But, here in the Philippines when you (witness feasts like) the Black Nazarene it’s still really deeply felt here and that’s beautiful,” added Brown.

The nuncio presided over a mass at Quiapo Church in Manila on Sunday, a day after the Feast of the Black Nazarene which was attended by thousands of devotees despite the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the mass, Brown thanked all those who helped make the occasion successful and safe.

"On behalf of Pope Francis, thank you volunteers who worked so hard yesterday to make sure that in this time of COVID-19 the traslacion was done in a safe manner as possible," he said.

According to the nuncio, his assignment here came as a pleasant surprise. 

"It comes as a super pleasant surprise. The Philippines (is) obviously an incredibly important Catholic country with such a wonderful history and great worldwide influence as all of your listeners know the Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world after Brazil and Mexico,” he said.

It was in September last year when Pope Francis appointed Brown as Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. He replaced Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, who now heads the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission in the United Nations in New York.

Archbishop Brown arrived in Manila in November.

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