GULF-GOANS e-NEWSLETTER (since 1994)
Hearty Congratulations & Prayerful Good Wishes to Our Beloved Jubilarians On Their Ruby and Golden Sacerdotal Anniversaries H.L. Bishop Camillo Ballin, mccj Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait 40th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination 30th March 1969 - 2009 H.G. Archbishop M. El-Hachem Apostolic Nuncio in Kuwait 50th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination 28th March 1959 - 2009 Archbishop El-Hachem, Bishop Camillo Ballin, Bishop Paul Hinder and the Clergy of the Vicariate Apostolic of Kuwait Concelebrated Mass on 15th April 2009 to mark the two Jubilee celebrations [ Please click here for a larger picture ] H.L. Bishop Camillo Ballin's Welcome Address at the Concelebrated Mass on 15th April 2009 at the Holy Family Cathedral Your Grace, Your Excellency Bishop Paul Hinder, Rev. Fathers, Rev. Sisters and my dear People, This evening, together with Bishop Paul, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, I am very happy to introduce and welcome all of you to this Eucharistic celebration which takes us back to an event in the life of our Apostolic Nuncio, his Priestly Ordination on 28th March, 1959. His presence among us today makes us aware of the need to share his joy and feeling of fulfillment as a good shepherd who has crossed the semi-century in his Priesthood. His Grace was born on 8th September 1934, a day very dear to all Marian devotees, in ‘Aqoura, Lebanon. His early education was in his native place and he had most of his higher studies outside his country mainly in France. He was ordained priest of the Maronite Church in 1959. With a deep knowledge coupled with pastoral zeal made him a full time laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. Msgr. El-Hachem’s humble and simple approach made him worthy of greater responsibilities. For 29 years he served the Vatican Secretariat of State and remained close to the Pope who is the Pastor of the Catholic Church and a sign of visible unity in the universal Church. He was the Director of the Arabic section of the Press Office during the Second Vatican Council. He had a remarkable history of service back in his home diocese. Msgr. El-Hachem’s involvement in the diplomatic mission of Vatican made him an international figure. It is with this experience in the diplomatic field, that he was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait and to other countries in the Gulf by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, in 2005. Dear friends, this is only a short summary of events through which God had done marvelous things in the life of His Grace for his Holy Church. The diplomatic personnel of Vatican is not only a civil representative but also a spiritual animator and a promoter of unity and universality. I am sure His Grace maintains these spiritual values as the true Ambassador of Pope. His mission as Nuncio to this part of Gulf has become more relevant at a time when His Holiness is faced with so much misunderstanding and unwarranted disputes. His message of peace and tolerance will be carried and conveyed by His Grace to the countries and cultures to which he represents His Holiness. Catholic Priesthood is a divine institution which demands a call and a response. No doubt, all through these fifty years, His Grace was blessed with the gift of commitment to God and to His Church. He always co-operated with God’s plan which made his Priesthood more functional and fruitful in the Church. He loves the Church and labors for Her tirelessly. Perhaps this may be one of the reasons for his sound health and spiritual energy at the moment. Now we are around His Grace in this cenacle of love and at this pinnacle of fulfillment Your Grace, His Excellency Bishop Paul and myself together with our people are gathered here, united to taste the fruit of your labors during the last fifty years and to appreciate the values of priesthood which you upheld in your life. We cannot pass over these years of service without pause for a moment. We implore God’s abundant blessings and pray for you and your personal intentions. On behalf of all present here, I whole heartedly welcome Your Grace to this Eucharistic Assembly and exhort all present to enrich this celebration with your active participation. God bless you all. Bishop Camillo Ballin, mccj Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait http://www.catholic-church.org/kuwait/ http://www.youtube.com/user/placidousa SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR A WELL-WISHER & FRIEND OF GOA-WORLD TEAM Goa World http://www.goa-world.com
