His Excellency Monsignor Selim Sfeir, Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus

Most Reverend Monsignor Giorgio Chezza, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature of Cyprus

Antonella Montovani, our representative in the parliament. I thank you for this initiative and the support you give to the Latin Church of Cyprus.

Sister Agnese, former provincial of the Sisters of St. Joseph

Friends, gracious guests

May the Lord give you peace!

As a Latin Bishop, I would like on this occasion to thank the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition for all the good they have done for the Catholic Church of Cyprus, and for the whole of Cypriot society.

The mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Cyprus, both in Lanarka and in Nicosia, has been characterized by EDUCATION. They have had schools, which have educated generations of Cypriot people. Also with the nursing school in Larnaka. And they have always carried out this mission with special attention to the most vulnerable. They also have paid attention to vulnerable women; those immigrant women.

A figure who has also given a face, a characteristic, to the Sisters of St. Joseph in Larnaka is Sister Thomas, who is known for her charity for the poor, the most vulnerable of people. And we hope that we will find a way to continue this mission in Larnaka, always paying attention to the formation of our people. Together with Sister Thomas, we want to remember and thank all the Sisters of St. Joseph who have served in these 180 years of presence, and also the Association of St. Joseph of Larnaka who has assisted the Sisters in their important mission and who even to today continue their mission with enthusiasm.

Today the Sisters of St. Joseph continue their mission of presence and active service to the Latin Church of Cyprus, in catechesis, in the service to refugees, with their presence every week in the refugee camp of Pournara. And in accompanying unaccompanied minors, with their maternal presence and charity… making a difference in this society sadly marked by selfishness. And by helping the Latin bishop in the formation of our leaders, with the theology course for the laity, and in the formation of our faithful. And I can affirm that their presence does much good in our Latin Church and also in the Maronite Church. With joy I can say that the Sisters of St. Joseph continue their mission and their charism in the Island of Cyprus, and we are grateful. I thank their superior general and also their provincial superior for confirming their presence on our island of Cyprus.

Congratulations again…