Last night the yearly traditional christmas celebration for the friends of Nunciature was held in their reception hall. Although I didnt feel quite well, I made sure I am present first because of my dad who I know would like me to be there and second, to meet the new Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward J. Adams, the first American representative of the Pope. Since my honda was coding I couldnt leave early. Because of the traffic I got very delayed. I thought it was a cocktail party but it turned out to be a sit down dinner. I get confused with the Pope's Day and christmas party.Maybe it was a blessing because everyone was already seated and starting their dinner so I end up with Sister Jean leading me to the front table which again turns out to be the VIP seat. Oh well…..I was telling sister that usually dad never wants to take the center table and instead prefers to sit at the back or somewhere on the sidelights.

I didnt even recognize His Excellency who was apparently seated at the back when I arrived. Sister Jean introduced me to him then got me seated. After a few minutes he joined our table in front with Ambassador Tita de Villa, Mr and Mrs FF Cruz, and Mr and Mrs. Sabino Padilla.

Just before dessert, His Excellency made an announcement. He mentioned that someone who has worked for decades in the Nunciature will be given a Papal Award for all her efforts since she has to move on to a higher position in the Focolare movement, then he calls Mariela.

Apparently Mariela was not informed beforehand so she had the surprise of her life. I told Mariella that His Excellency told us shortly before his announcement that she had to assume a higher or even the highest position in the Focolare Movement in the Philippines so she had to choose and this time she has to leave service to the Nunciature. The Nuncio calls her the keeper of the nunciature archives

His Excellency mentioned that Mr. Sabino Padillo will also be conferred a an award but this time more formally at the Manila Cathedral.

The good old Fr. Reuter now in a wheelchair said a few words, more of thanking the pianist who had been playing mood music for almost three hours. 

After we all had our dessert, His excellency gave his christmas message and a toast. He seemed ‘cowboy” unlike his predecessors. I was surprised when he mentioned he was an only child so I asked him if I heard right and he said yes. His mother was also an only child so I said welcome to the club!

At the strike of 9pm, the protocol officer approached the nuncio and whispered that he has to say his goodbye message. Everyone made a long line to once again greet the nuncio and have some photos. I was really lucky to be seated wtih him so I was able to get to know him better than the rest.

 Of course I wouldnt leave without a photo with the seemingly charistmatic and charming new representative of the Pope! :)   
 

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