KIULU: The first resident Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Marino, spent yesterday visiting churches and chapels in the Tuaran constituency.
He was accompanied by the head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, St John Tuaran Rector Nicholas Stephen, assistant Priest Jalius Sading, Father Daniel Dick Jamilong, Deacon Jack Sigang and Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Archbishop Joseph visited St Philip’s Church in Tamparuli where he was earlier hosted to breakfast by Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Bumburing.
He also stopped by St Martin’s Church in Malanggang Kiulu, St Joseph’s Church and the San Damiano hostel, both also in Kiulu.
At each stop, he was mobbed by the local Catholic community who asked to have their photos taken with him and also his blessings. They were really excited to have such an important public figure visit them.
Archbishop Joseph attended mass at the La Foresta Retreat in Kiulu before heading to Lokub where he officially opened the St Michael Archangel’s Church.
On Tuesday, Archbishop Joseph attended the Papar Diocese’ Kaamatan celebration. He will leave for Kuala Lumpur today.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Joseph Marino, an American, as the first resident Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, after deciding to open a new nunciature (embassy) in Kuala Lumpur.
The Nuncio is the Pope’s diplomatic representative having the rank of ambassador.
Meanwhile, Tangau expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Joseph for visiting his constituency as it will augur goodwill between the Holy See and Sabah.
“He is here to familiarize with how the Christian community is doing here. He chose Tuaran maybe because he wants to see how the community in rural areas is doing. Yesterday he was in Papar for the Diocese’s Kaamatan and I am sure he had a very good time,” Tangau said.