Farewell reception for Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia

Nov 22, 2019

By Vincent D’Silva
The first Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia ended his tenure November 17. Prior to his departure, a farewell reception was held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 7.

Some 200 guests attended, including diplomats, Arch/bishops from Malaysia, priests, religious, lay people and well-wishers. Also present were Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore and non-residential Pontifical Representative for Vietnam and Msgr Marco Sprizzi, who will serve as Charge D’Affaires of the Nunciature in Malaysia until the appointment and arrival of the new Nuncio.

During the reception, the new Dean of the diplomatic corps, His Excellency Professor Dr Qaley Allahverdiyev, paid fulsome tribute to his departing predecessor. The Nuncio had held that position since January 2019.

Professor Dr Qaley said Archbishop Marino’s peers appreciated the way he “developed a very friendly environment among diplomats coming from various countries, and advancing productive relations with Wisma Putra.” The Azeri envoy stated, “His nonstop open-door working manner and cordial hospitality will be  fondly missed.”

Qaley said he was delighted to know Archbishop Marino was appointed President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome. He then presented to the Nuncio the traditional commemorative plate depicting famous scenes of Kuala Lumpur.

The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei (CBCMSB), Bishop Sebastian Francis, then complimented Archbishop Marino on the pioneering work he had done as the first Nuncio in Malaysia, which included opening the first Holy See Embassy in Malaysia.

Bishop Sebastian noted that Archbishop Marino had been a faithful representative of the Holy See and Pope Francis.

“He was not just a diplomat but also a pilgrim, pitching his tent in a country, ready to serve and ready to leave when called upon – for new missions,” he remarked.

Bishop Sebastian praised Archbishop Marino for having gained the commutation of the Sultan of Johor on the death sentence of three Mexican brothers found guilty of trafficking in dangerous drugs.

Bishop Sebastian said Catholics will pray for Archbishop Marino’s  success in his new mission which is the Presidency of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the college that trains prospective Vatican diplomats.

In response to the encomia heaped on him, Archbishop Marino said he cherished happy memories of his seven-year stint in Malaysia.

“I am most grateful and truly touched,” he said.

He elaborated, “Many people have asked me what I will remember most of Malaysia? I will remember your diversity, which in itself represents a great richness, which is unique to this nation.”

He continued, “I wish to publicly thank the government of Malaysia, past and present, for the support and assistance given to me, especially in the whole process of establishing this diplomatic mission in Kuala Lumpur.”

He thanked Bishop Sebastian for his “gracious words.”

“I wish to send a sentiment of profound appreciation to all the people of the various Churches in Malaysia, who, wherever I went, always welcomed me as a brother in the common faith that we share.”

The outgoing Apostolic Nuncio said he was encouraged to discover a Church in Malaysia that is alive,  giving testimony to the essentials of our faith, which is to seek the lost and the least and the voiceless.

Archbishop Marino also said that Pope Francis has invited Christians to refrain from transforming religion into ideology.

He said the Roman Pontiff urged people to encounter others rather than to counter them.

“This is the spirit of Malaysia, a place where different cultures and  religions truly strive to build a society of encounter and mutual harmony. May God Bless Malaysia,” he concluded.

Archbishop Marino flew off to Rome on Nov 17 after which he will leave for his home in Birmingham in the US, to spend Christmas with his widowed mother and siblings. He takes up his new appointment in Rome at the beginning of the New Year.