Pope’s greetings to Ecuador for 200^th 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 200^th 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.