By Catherine Smibert
SYDNEY, Australia, MAY 8, 2008 (Zenit.org).- World Youth Day will be an opportunity to give Australia a reason to hope, says the apostolic nuncio to the country.
I caught up with Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, who was appointed in December as apostolic nuncio to Australia. He says he's excited about the timing of his appointment, months ahead of World Youth Day this July.
“The fact that the World Youth Day is so imminent adds to the value and interest in the beginning of my mission here,” he told me. “Since my initial arrival, I was able to establish close and direct contact with many people actively involved in the preparation of this significant event -- an occasion we are all watching with great anticipation and hope.”
The nuncio also told this week’s plenary meeting of the Australian bishops' conference that he’s already confident about the effect the event will have on this nation and all participants as he collects “touching testimonies surrounding the journey of the cross and icon as it travels around the dioceses of the country … producing an intensely spiritual atmosphere.”
The diplomat noted to me then that it seems like an atmosphere open for everyone to share, not merely young Catholics.
“I cultivate a hope, which I know is largely shared,” he said, “that the World Youth Day and the visit of Pope Benedict XVI are occasions for the nation to rediscover a reason to hope, the joy of being Christians and the courage to witness their faith to the world of today, as the Holy Father himself tirelessly exhorts us to do.”
Archbishop Lazzarotto added, “Even for the nonbelievers, it may provide a vital opportunity to promote a deeper reflection on the role of religion in modern society.”
This statement brought me to question the traveled prelate, who has 37 years of diplomatic experience, on his impression of the level of secularization in our Australian culture.
The nuncio said, “Secularism is a common problem shared by many countries and -- as far as I’m aware -- it doesn’t appear more acute here in Australia than anywhere else!
“It’s a phenomenon that presents itself in every country in a different way, has many faces and needs to be analyzed and understood.”
The Italian-born nuncio draws a comparison between the recent visit of the Holy Father to the United States and United Nations where, he says, “we saw this proposal to deepen such a reflection -- especially when he spoke of the fact that even in a technically advanced world, ‘a vision of life solidly anchored in a religious dimension’ and, in the end, a better response ‘to the aspirations of each person, the community, and the entire population.’”
According to Archbishop Lazzarotto, what the Pope said to the American bishops while there will surely go for Australia too, that “secularism challenges the Church to reaffirm and more actively pursue her mission to the world.”
But the archbishop is quick to point out that it’s not up to him to anticipate the Pontiff’s words while visiting Australians, yet believes he will certainly have a message that which reach all.
“After the two successful visits from John Paul II, Australia now welcomes Benedict XVI with open arms,” he said. “Even if this time the visit is motivated by his desire to meet the young people for World Youth Day, I’m certain that the thoughts of the Holy Father go beyond and are directed to all people of goodwill across this vast land.”
In speaking with Archbishop Lazzarotto, my impression is that he seems to be fitting into Australian culture. He says that might have to do with having served seven years in Ireland as apostolic nuncio.
“Certainly my time in Ireland, just prior to my transfer here, will assist me in better understanding the Australian Church, which in her beginnings, was characterized by a strong link with the Irish Church,” he said.
But the pontifical representative says that by virtue of his service in diplomatic posts in Zambia, Malawi, Cuba, Jerusalem and the Vatican Secretariat of State, he feels well prepared to insert himself into the multiethnic Australian culture.
Yet, I discovered another reason why he was so happy to accept the nomination from Benedict XVI to take up this post down under: “I’ve finally been able to meet some members of my extended family who immigrated here from Italy over the last century.”
But even if Archbishop Lazzarotto didn’t have family here, he'd still feel at home.
“At the risk of sounding cliché, I just feel like I’m at home here -- that’s my genuine sensation," said the nuncio. "Wherever I’ve gone over these first weeks here, I have been welcomed with great cordiality and friendliness which will surely assist me in the beginning phase of this mission.”
ZE08050810 - 2008-05-08
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-22534?l=english
Nuncio: Pope to Bring Hope Down Under
Looks Forward to World Youth Day
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