LETTER | It was a proud moment for all Catholics in Malaysia when the Vatican flag was officially raised on Malaysian soil the evening of Nov 23, 2017.

The occasion was graced by his Excellency Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Substitute of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, who inaugurated the new Chancery and Residence of the Apostolate Nunciature in Kuala Lumpur.

He remarked that this structure symbolises the friendly ties between Malaysia and the Holy See. Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican represented the Malaysian government.

It was an honour for me to be a guest at both this and the first mass celebrated in the resident chapel the next morning. The chalice and paten used during mass were gifts from the Holy Father to the Apostolic Nunciature in Malaysia. The simple yet modern chapel is very much in line with Pope Francis's outlook of simplicity and not being ostentatious.

His Excellency Nuncio Joseph Marino’s usual greeting of “Welcome to Pope Francis House” whenever we visited never sounded so real as this is the closest one can be to the Vatican without actually being there. Nuncio’s responsibilities cover Brunei and Timor Leste besides Malaysia.

We pray that this milestone will further strengthen the existing cordial relationship and inter-religious harmony between religions and races in Malaysia.

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