President Arrindell meets French Cardinal Barbarin and Bishop Riocreux

Father Bob Johnson (2nd from left), President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell (3rd from left) greeting Cardinal Archbishop Philippe Barbarin, Prefet Philippe Chopin, introducing the Cardinal to the President, while Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux (1st right) is being greeted.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell had the honour of meeting Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese in France Cardinal Archbishop Philippe Barbarin. The Cardinal was accompanied by Bishop of Basse Terre & Pointe a Pitre in Guadeloupe Jean-Yves Riocreux.

President Arrindell was invited to form part of the welcoming delegation which included Prefet Philippe Chopin, Madame President of the Collectivite Aline Hanson as well as Father Bob Johnson.

The Cardinal and Bishop arrived last week Wednesday at Grand Case Airport from Guadeloupe.

“The Cardinal expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the dignitaries from both sides of the island.  He also asked to pray for the innocent who are suffering in war zones including the current fighting taking place in Iraq where thousands of Christians and Yazidis have fled their homes.

“It was a true honour to represent Sint Maarten at this historic event which is so important for the Catholic faithful,” President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Sunday.  

President Arrindell also attended a church service in Marigot at the Catholic Church which was then followed by a dinner at the home of the Prefet.  In attendance were His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday and Mrs. Holiday as well as Bishop Luis Antonio Secco Diocese of Willemstad, Curacao.