KALIBO, Aklan – His Excellency Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, graced the blessing of a retirement home of the Clergy of the Diocese of Kalibo on Wednesday, Feb. 6.
The construction of the two-storey “Domus Franciscus” building was funded by Papal Foundation (USA). The retirement home for elderly priests who have faithfully served the Diocese of Kalibo for years is located in the old Bishop House in Saint John the Baptist Cathedral compound.
At 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a ribbon cutting and marker unveiling ceremony was held, led by Caccia, Jaro Archbishop Most Rev. Jose Romeo Lazo, Aklan representative Carlito Marquez and Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores.
Prior to retirement home blessing, Caccia was welcomed by the faithful, Kalibo Ati-Atihan tribes, Vicar General, the Team Moderator and Members of the Team Ministry at 10:30 a.m. in Kalibo.
The Nuncio will also hold a dialogue with the Youth at Kalibo Cathedral. Other activities of Caccia are Encounter with the Laity and visit to the Pink Sisters in New Washington, Aklan.
He will be treated to a cultural presentation of Aklanon folk dances and Visayan songs by singing priests in a dinner with the Clergy at Diocesan Human Resource Center in Goding Ramos Street.
The prelate will also visit the Sto. Nino Seminary in Numancia, Aklan and the Ati Community Village in Boracay Island on Feb. 7.
The 60-year old Nuncio from Milan, Italy was first appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon and Titular Archbishop of Sepino, Italy.
In September 2009, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop. Prior to his appointment in Lebanon, Archbishop Caccia was the Assessor for General Affairs of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. (Akean Forum/PN)