THE Province of Negros Occidental, the home of many Catholics and Christians, has welcomed His Grace, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines during his visit to the province on July 9, 2019.

He was welcomed by Govenor Eugenio Jose Lacson, some members of the provincial board and Ms. Emily Yanson.

Governor Lacson said it was an honor and a blessing for the province to be visited by the representative of His Holiness Pope Francis.

“On behalf of our people, I cordially welcome His Grace, the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia to Negros Occidental, the land of sweet surprises. I guess, the sweetness of our sugar only can be rivalled by the sweetness of our people. The Negrenses always had a great filial affection and connection to the Holy Father. In 1981, Pope John Paul II left us with a great encouraging message of love, the same message that the Church has brought to the people all over the world in ages past and which she will never cease to proclaim to future generations,” Lacson said.

The governor said that what Pope John Paul II enunciated 38 years ago remains very much relevant until now.

“We all need to be stewards of love and hope. The Negrense, as a people always had great respect for the Church. The good outcome of the cooperation between the Church and the local government related to social justice, protection of environment and protection of morals among others. It is for this reason that I am especially grateful for your visit. May this renew and enliven the mutual duty of the church and the government to alleviate the lives of our people.”

The governor asked the Papal Nuncio to bring to His Holiness Pope Francis, our love and respect.