H.E. Jose de Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal.
Msgr. Aldo Cavalli Apostolic Nuncio once again opened the doors of the Apostolic Nuntiature, following the Holy Mass, in honor of both incoming and outgoing diplomats in the Catholic community who have been posted to The Hague. The “Welcome-Farewell” gathering was held in honor of three diplomats and was organized by members from the community.
Despite the torrential rain which fell in the morning, the lovely chapel, on the grounds of the nunciature, was filled to capacity. The international community attending the Mass spilled out in the hall and down the stairs, nearly to the entrance in a clear sign that the summer holidays were coming to a close.
His Excellency, in a warm display of Italian hospitality, invited the community into the Nuntiature to a “La Tavola Italiana” in his magnificent residence. By early afternoon, the skies had cleared and his guests of honor and many others lingered around the grand table while enjoying the buffet and engaging in lively discussions with one another until mid afternoon. Among those present were the Ambassador of Colombia, H.E. Juan Josè Quintana and spouse, Maria Rosario Navia who came to bid farewell to Mauricio, from Europol and spouse, Diana, who will soon be departing to Columbia .
The Sunday fare included platters of piping hot Latin American “empanadas”, prepared by the “nuns of the Nuntiature.” Claudia, of Claudia’s Catering, organized the farewell with permission from the Nuncio. Monserrat, the organist for the choir prepared a colorful presentation of fruit kabobs, Edith Bergansius, from the Hispanic Society of The Hague, Patricia Hollamby, and other members of the community contributed to the dessert table, which included, to everyone’s delight, a classic “three layer chocolate mousse cake.” All was arranged with simplicity among the feligreses of the church who gathered together privately for the occasion.
H.E. Jose de Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal, who’s devoted much time, energy and love to the ever growing community, will soon be departing. He especially contributed much time to the chorus and everyone, who regularly came together for the weekly celebration, greatly appreciate him for his service to the community. First Secretary Yovko Genov Pishtiyski from the Apostolic Nunciature will soon be serving the Holy See in the Far East. Both men will certainly be missed by the Catholic community in this city, whom have come to know them through the years.
In response to Msgr. Cavalli’s warm and welcoming spirit, the local community continues to attract more and more people with each passing week.
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