On 6.05.2024, Embassies to the Holy See gathered in Castel Gandolfo to celebrate together there the 20th anniversary of the accession of Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Cyprus and Malta to the European Union.
The important anniversary was commemorated with a Mass at the papal parish of St. Thomas of Villanova. The Eucharist was presided over by H.E. Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, and also present were Msgr. Vincenzo Viva, Bishop of the Diocese of Albano, and the parish’s pastor, Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus.
To emphasize the international character and solemnity of the moment to celebrate “the historic fifth enlargement of the EU around common principles and values” and “a historic political event of great significance,” the prayer of the faithful was read during the Mass in various languages: Italian, Greek, Latvian, Polish, Slovak, Slovenian and Hungarian. Sr. Alina Furczyk, Assistant General, attended the ceremony at the invitation of Mr. Ambassador Adam Kwiatkowski.
