Pope’s greetings to Ecuador for 200th anniversary of independence
(Aug.11,2009): Pope Benedict XVI on Monday sent a telegram of good wishes to the
Latin American Nation of Ecuador on the occasion of its 200th anniversary
of Independence. The telegram was sent in the Pope’s name by Vatican Secretary of
State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. It expressed the Holy Father’s spiritual closeness
to the people of Ecuador and his prayers asking God to bestow his grace on the
beloved children of the noble nation, and help it build a more fraternal society of
justice and solidarity. The Papal telegram invoked the protection and blessings
of Our Lady of the Presentation of Quinche, the Patroness of Ecuador . The
Primate of Ecuador, Archbishop Raul Vela Chiriboga of Quito on Monday, commemorated
the bicentennial of the nation’s Independence by celebrating a solemn Mass in the
Metropolitan Cathedral. The prelate thanked the Lord for all the graces showered
on Ecuador . At the end of the Mass ,the Archbishop read the Pope’s telegram to the
nation.