Letter No. 001A.15/BM/nc

30th March 2015

No. 001A.15/BM/nc

Dear Friends,

It is with pleasure that I give you the latest news of our Community with some delay, the reasons of which I explain here below:

1. Parliamentary Work/Meetings of the Representative

• On 5^th December I had been invited and attended the blessing of the Hospice at Mesa Chorio Paphos. There was a dual participation and celebration by our Patriarch and the Greek Orthodox Archbishop’s representative. Mr. Ph. Photiou, Presidential Commissioner for Human Affairs, was also present.
• On 7^th December 2014 I had a meeting with His Excellency our Patriarch in Limassol when we had discussed with him and our Vicar General Rev. Father George Kraj issues concerning the Community. After the meeting, our Patriarch celebrated Mass with a full congregation presence.
• On 11^th December 2014 I was invited to attend the Holy Mass in Nicosia celebrated by His Excellency The Apostolic Nuncio Giuseppe Lazzarotto, to commemorate the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Francis.
• On 15^th December I met with the Representatives of the Council of Europe and discussed various subjects concerning our Community.
• On 18^th December I attended the Christmas Concert of the Progressive Society of Larnaca at our Catholic Church. The concert is held in cooperation with the Latin community.
• On the 5^th of March I met the Presidential Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Photiou and we have discussed details of the gathering that will be held at the Presidential Palace on17th of June. Invitations will be sent towards the end of May.
• On the same day I met the Director of C.N.A. (Cyprus News Agency) when we had discussed ways to promote to the Mass Media the Latin Community
• On March the 13^th the Technological University (TEΠAK) in Limassol invited the Parliamentary Committee of Education (to which I am a member) for an important meeting and acquainted us for its present and future plans.
• On 26^th March the Presidential Commissioner for Human Rights visited the College of Terra Santa and I was in the welcoming committee.
• On the same day I had a meeting with the High Commissioner of Great Britain to acquaint him about our Community.  

2. Community Affairs

• Christmas Bazaars were held by our Benevolent charities in all towns.

Nicosia’s St. Anthony’s bazaar collected €1200, St. Catherine’s Limassol €1600, St. Joseph’s Nicosia €4000 and Larnaca €900.

I understand Caritas Cyprus held its own activities successfully.

As you know all the proceeds are spent to assist people in need irrespective of religion and nationality.

• In Paphos a lunch was organized in early December with the main guest our Patriarch and proceeds of €450 were given to the Hospice.
• On 24^th January 2015 there was an important meeting of the fifteen Terra Santa Colleges of the Middle East.

Each College gave a short presentation of history and its educational programmes. It is impressive to hear that some of these Colleges were created in the 17^th century. As you know, the schools were organized and are still operated by the Franciscans.

• Caritas Cyprus Migrant Centre operating through our parishes in all towns has a mission to work with Migrants regardless of race and religion.

Lately it has organized on 17^th & 18^th January 2015 a Candlelight Vigil on World Migrant and Refugees Day.

On 21^st January it offered a party for children at the Cofinou Camp for Asylum Seekers and on Sunday 22^nd February there was a Cake Sale at the Limassol parish.

• St. Catherine’s Benevolent Fund continues to offer Sunday coffee and juices after each Mass.

Also on Sunday 15^th of March St. Catherine’s organized a cake sale. The proceeds as always will be used for people in need.

• Before Easter there will be a small bazaar.
• On 5^th July Sunday, the Patriarch will celebrate a Holy Mass and give the Confirmation to Catholic children of all Cyprus at our Nicosia Church.
• On the 11^th of July Saturday, H.E. The Latin Patriarch will visit Limassol and celebrate a Holy Mass at 6:30 pm.
• On 13^th July, thirteen Bishops of the Middle East (including our Patriarch) will have meetings in Nicosia.
• Following my agreement with the Ministry of Defence, Latin Catholics that will enroll for military service may declare that they belong to the Latin Community.

In this way the young conscripts will be positioned in towns where we have our churches to enable them to attend Sunday and holiday Holy Masses.

Announcement:

I am reminding you for our effort to be more environmentally friendly and I kindly request those who wish to receive future Newsletters only by email send us the email address accordingly at benitlim@logosnet.cy.net 

Concluding my letter, I would like to wish to all of you a Happy Easter.

Best regards,