Vatican’s Representative, Apostolic Nuncio, Visits Tripura’s Diocese of Agartala
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 27, 2025
The Catholic community of Tripura witnessed a momentous occasion as Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and the Vatican’s official representative, undertook his first pastoral visit to the Diocese of Agartala on July 26 and 27. Though unofficial, the two-day visit was filled with heartfelt expressions of faith, unity, and deep spiritual engagement, marking a significant milestone in the life of Tripura’s only Catholic diocese.
Fr. Joseph Pulinthanath, Spokesperson for the Diocese, shared that the Nuncio’s arrival in Agartala was met with immense joy and reverence. In a vibrant display of youthful enthusiasm, representatives from various parish youth groups organized a bike rally that escorted the Vatican envoy from the airport to the Bishop’s House, reflecting the community’s strong bond with the Universal Church.
That evening, Archbishop Girelli met with priests, religious sisters, and lay leaders during an interactive gathering at the Bishop’s House. Bishop Lumen Monteiro, CSC, DD, formally welcomed the Nuncio, while Sr Marcellina Sangma FMA, Superior of Auxilium Agartala, presented an insightful overview of the diocese’s evangelization mission, pastoral activities, and current challenges.
In his address to the gathering, the Nuncio offered tailored messages to the different segments of the Church. Speaking to the clergy, he urged them to carry out their ministry not merely as a duty but as a mission of love, referencing Pope Leo’s reminder that the bond between a priest and his people is a grace. Addressing the religious, he highlighted the depth of their consecrated life, saying, “By your vows, you have lovingly bound yourselves to Him.” He also praised the lay faithful, especially the catechists, for their vital role in sustaining the Church's grassroots mission.
On Sunday, July 27, the Archbishop led the Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral, coinciding with the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of honouring the elderly, recognizing their wisdom, dignity, and contributions to families, the Church, and society at large.
As part of his pastoral itinerary, Archbishop Girelli also visited Don Bosco Parish Church in Nandan Nagar, where he was warmly welcomed by the parish community. The visit concluded with a lunch at Auxilium Convent, featuring cultural presentations and joyful felicitations from boarding students, Salesian Cooperators, and Catholic Laity of Tripura (CLT) leaders.
Before his departure, the Nuncio expressed his deep gratitude for the hospitality, love, and spiritual richness he experienced throughout the visit. He was accompanied by his secretary, Fr Stephen Fernandes.
Though brief, the visit served as a powerful reaffirmation of the Diocese of Agartala’s spiritual vitality and its close connection with the Holy See, offering new encouragement to the local faithful and further strengthening the bonds of communion between the Catholic Church in Tripura and the universal Church.
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