Pictured H.E. Aldo Cavalli Apostolic Nuncio.
H.E. Aldo Cavalli Apostolic Nuncio once again opened the doors of the Apostolic Nuntiature, following the Holy Mass on Sunday, September 4, in order to bid a festive farewell to First Secretary, Yovko Genov Pishtiyski, who has been posted to Singapore.
The farewell reception, organized by members from the burgeoning community, featured seafood and mixed paellas that were so large in size, that four pairs of hands were to handle them! Everyone gathered in the Nunciature, fell silent, as the enormous pans of paella were cermoniously presented to the Nuncio and First Secretary and placed on the buffet table for all to admire.
Some 150-200 guests, including many top level diplomats and their families, were invited to the festive occasion.
The lovely chapel, on the grounds of the nunciature was filled, well beyond capacity, for the Mass which preceded the luncheon.
Members of the local international community in the city, as well as those from other communities in the area, spilled out in the hall and down the stairs to the entrance of the building—in a clear demonstration of support for both the Nuncio and Father Yovko, whose warm presence will be dearly missed in this international city of justice and peace.
His Excellency, in his characterstic Italian style, warmly greeted his many guests and took extra care to personally invite them into his “Great Room” where they could better hear the formal introductions and farewell speeches in honor of the the First Secretary. Special attention was given to “the little ones” who were present, as he guided them around the table to prominent positions, where they excitedly enjoyed the “unwrapping of farewell gifts.”
Much to the delight of onlookers, First Secretary Pishtiyski, an Apple aficionado ,with reported techie interests, was presented with the latest generation version of an Apple Watch, as a fond farewell gift from the community.
The Sunday fare featured a respendent array of, primarily Latin American and Spanish buffet luncheon specialities, and included an extended dessert table. All was arranged with simplicity among the feligreses of the church, who gathered together for the occasion. The ambience was so welcoming that many lingered well into the mid afternoon.
In response to Msgr. Cavalli’s warm and gracious spirit, more are attending the Holy Mass with each passing week.
The community extends their best wishes to Father Yokov and wishes him much happiness and success with his new assignment in the Far East!
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