-'It is my blessing and personal honor for me to hand over my letter of credence and my the letter of recommendation of my predecessor.'
-'Thank you very much.'
This is how the new ambassador of the Philippines to the Holy See presented her credential letters to the Pope.
Her name is Myla Grace Macahilig. During her brief meeting with Pope Francis, she gave him a number of gifts from her country.
-'A statue made by a small artisan in the Philippines, our patron saint.'
It’s a sculpture of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, one of the first Filipino martyrs.
The Pope also greeted the new ambassador’s relatives and staff.
It’s a special time to start her new mission, as the Philippines is celebrating 500 years of Christianity.
XSA
TR: CT