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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
Wednesday, November 09, 2005 - Pope Benedict the XV1 has conveyed his
wishes for peace, prosperity and happiness to the government and people of Saint
Lucia. On Thursday, November 3rd, His Excellency Thomas E. Guillickson,
Apostolic Nuncio Designate to Saint Lucia relayed this message to Head of State
Governor General Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy on the Pope’s behalf.
Archbishop Guillickson who also presented his credentials during a courtesy call
to Her Excellency said his visit to this part of the world reflects the Vatican
City’s profound interest in deepening diplomatic ties with Saint Lucia and the
Caribbean region.
“I gladly bring to you Your Excellency, and to all here in government and most
particularly the people of Saint Lucia the heart-felt greetings of Benedict XVI
and his fervent wish for your happiness, for the peace and prosperity of your
country.”
Archbishop Guillickson said his trip to Saint Lucia had been scheduled for May
but was postponed due to the passing of Pope John Paul 11. He said the late Pope
had earlier this year, expressed his own special concern for Saint Lucia.
In welcoming the Archbishop to Saint Lucia Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy
said the interaction between the Church and State should be harmonious and
complimentary.
“Your reference Your Excellency, to the church’s policitcal activity gives us a
deeper appreciation of the role of the Church and the State and the often quoted
separation of the two. His Holiness’ description of God and man walking together
in history helps us put into perspective the interaction between religion and
politics. They should not be at odds with each other if they both work for the
common good and the greater good.’
Archbishop Gullickson entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See (Vatican
City) on May 1, 1985 and has been appointed successively to the Diplomatic
Missions in Rwanda, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Jerusalem and Palestine, and
Germany. He was appointed to the Caribbean in November of last year.
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