As Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pedro López Quintana ends his mission in India, the Catholic Religious have thanked the papal representative for the care and guidance he offered to them.

The Spaniard prelate came to India as the Holy See Ambassador in February 2003 and continued until Dec. 10, when the Vatican announced his transfer to Canada as its Apostolic Nuncio.

The 56-year-old archbishop’s tenure was marked by unprecedented Hindu radical violence against Christians in several parts of India, particularly in the states of Orissa and Karnataka.

His “guidance to the Church leaders during the time of crises was commendable,” said Brother Mani Mekkunnel, national secretary of Conference of Religious India (CRI).

The Religious “have been blessed with his personal attention and concern,” Brother Mekkunnel said in a note that thanked the nuncio for his help “to the Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests who form the sustaining network of the Indian Church.”

Brother Mekkunnel noted the nuncio considers nuns as the real image of the servant Church “but feels that justice is often denied to them in terms of remunerative support from Church leaders.”

The nuncio continues to be the statutory invitee to the Conference of Religious and he “guides us in so many matters,” the note said.

During the time of difficulties with the Church leaders, the Religious Superiors “often approach him for help and he has been generous,” the note said.

Brother Mekkunnel expressed the hope that the farewell dinner, scheduled for Dec. 28, would be an occasion for the Religious and other Church leaders to express our “love and prayerful wishes” to the Vatican diplomat.

“We are grateful to what he has been to us and pray for God’s special blessings as he takes up his new responsibilities in Canada,” his note said.

Source: UCAN

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