Vatican Ambassador Visits Agartala.

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Agartala, Tripura, 28th of July 2025 : Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Vatican’s Ambassador to India made his first visit to the Diocese of Agartala this weekend, drawing excitement and heartfelt welcomes from the local Catholic community during his two-day stay on July 26 and 27.

Though unofficial in nature, the visit of the Delhi-based Vatican Ambassador who is known in Church circles as Apostolic nuncio, was packed with moments of faith, fellowship, and deep pastoral connection. Youth from various town parishes kicked off the visit with a spirited bike rally, escorting the Vatican envoy from the airport to the Bishop’s House—a gesture that set the tone for a vibrant and engaging visit.

A warm reception was held at Holy Cross School in honor of the Apostolic Nuncio, who addressed the hostel students during his visit. He emphasized the Church’s longstanding commitment to education and praised the Holy Cross Congregation for its outstanding contribution to the people of the state in the field of education. He urged the students to make full use of the opportunities offered through Catholic education, emphasizing the importance of imbibing Christian values and becoming ambassadors of those values in society and the state.

Following the school visit, the Nuncio proceeded to the Holy Cross Provincial House, where he met with senior priests of the congregation. He extended his heartfelt congratulations for their dedicated and selfless service to the Church in Tripura, acknowledging their pastoral and missionary contributions over the years.

Nuncio also visited Nirmala Sishu Bhavan, Mother Teresa’s Home in the city, and met with the inmates and the Sisters who care for the sick and marginalized. He deeply appreciated their compassionate service and unwavering commitment to the poor and suffering, embodying the true spirit of Christian charity.

In the evening, Archbishop Girelli met with a diverse group of priests, religious, and laity at the Bishop’s House. Bishop Lumen Monteiro, CSC, DD, formally welcomed him, while Sr Marcellina Sangma FMA, Superior of Auxilium Agartala, gave the Nuncio an insightful overview of the diocese and its mission.

In a reflective address, the Nuncio offered separate messages to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful. To the priests, he emphasized that ministry must flow from love, not merely duty, echoing Pope Leo’s reminder that a priest’s bond with his people is a grace. Addressing religious men and women, he called their vocation a special belonging to the Lord—“By your vows, you have lovingly bound yourselves to Him,” he said. He also took time to acknowledge the lay faithful, lauding their active involvement in pastoral life and especially praising the work of the catechists in the diocese.

The following day, Sunday, marked the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, and Archbishop Girelli presided over the morning Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral. In his homily, he called on the faithful to recognize and honour the elderly in their families, the Church, and society, reminding all of the rich wisdom and dignity that older generations bring to the faith community.

The Nuncio, accompanied by Bishop Lumen Monteiro, also visited Don Bosco Parish Church, Nandan Nagar, where he was welcomed by the parish community. The visit concluded with a lunch at Auxilium Convent, where the boarding students, Salesian Cooperators, and the Catholic Laity of Tripura (CLT) leaders joyfully felicitated the Nuncio.

Before departing, Archbishop Girelli expressed his heartfelt thanks for the warmth, love, and hospitality shown to him during his visit.

The Nuncio was accompanied during the visit by his secretary, Fr Stephen Fernandes.