Archbishop Christophe Pierre
I DON’T WANT TO BELONG TO ANY CLUB THAT WILL ACCEPT PEOPLE LIKE ME AS A MEMBER – Groucho Marx
I have often recalled Groucho’s immortal words in a perverse sense when attending some sort of fancy event. In my case, it has usually been more the case that I’m simply grateful to be in a beautiful place around beautiful people. Whether or not I merit being there, I’m just grateful.
Put another way, I’m honored to be welcomed into a club to which I claim shaky membership.
So imagine how grateful I felt to participate in the Divine Mercy University 2017 President’s Reception at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Washington, DC. They had to order large invitations just to get all the words to fit.
Our host for the evening was His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio. (In other words, he is the Pope’s ambassador in the United States.) He is a veteran diplomat who has served the church in the far corners of the world: New Zealand, Mozambique, Brazil, Cuba, Switzerland, Mexico, among others – and speaks five languages. (He is French.)
He also is a gracious host, posing for endless pictures with those attending the event and make sure everyone felt welcomed. And, the food was great, the service excellent and the décor rather magnificent.
I got to thinking that I would enjoy being part of this club. And then I realized that I AM part of this club: One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. And I’m betting nearly everyone who reads this also belongs.
The man who started this club paid a high price so all of us could belong. I get in for a song. Divine Mercy University produces graduates who will help throngs of people all over the world to activate their membership.
