The Pasig City local government gave Archbishop Charles John Brown, papal nuncio to the Philippines, a symbolic “key to the city” during his visit on Monday, Aug. 21.
Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., and other city officials welcomed the nuncio in a ceremony at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.
“Archbishop Brown’s visit is a testament to the city’s importance as a historic center of culture and faith and of the Pasigueños’ achievements rooted in hard work, passion, solidarity, and hope,” read the plaque conferred to the nuncio.
“This key does not open portals, but the hearts of the jubilant people of the City of Pasig,” it added.
The local government also presented Brown with the resolution passed by the 11th City Council last Aug. 14 on the significance of his visit to the Diocese of Pasig and the larger Roman Catholic community in the city.
After the welcome rites, a thanksgiving Mass was held to mark the occasion, attended by city officials and members of the public.
The Papal Nuncio’s landmark visit to Pasig was held to celebrate the 20th year of the Canonical Erection of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pasig, and as part of the yearlong festivities of the city’s 450th founding anniversary.
The local government cited the nuncio’s presence in the city as a time to “retrace Pasig’s history and its Catholic heritage.”
Archbishop Brown was designated by Pope Francis as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines on Sept. 28, 2020. He serves as the head of the diplomatic envoy representing the Vatican to the national government and the Pope to the Philippine Catholic church.