A Special Visit to the Vatican

The CCR is happy to announce a special invitation which has been extended to our members for a rare opportunity to have a glimpse into the workings at the Vatican. On Tuesday, April 20th at 11 am we are invited to attend a brief presentation of the history of Papal diplomacy from the early Church to the present day with particular attention on world events that recognized and codified the Holy See's diplomatic service and an overview of its guiding principles. The presentation will be given Canadian priest Msgr. José Bettencourt, who works at the Section for Relations with States at the Secretary of State.

The presentation will be held in the library of the "Terza Loggia" of the Secretary of State at the Vatican and will last approximately 30 minutes with time following for questions and a tour of the historic "Terza Loggia". Canadian Ambassador to the Holy See Anne Leahy will be in attendance.

Invitation to: CCR Members
When: Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
Time: 11 am
Where: Terza Loggia of Secretary of State at the Vatican (Meeting place will be advised with event confirmation.)
Duration: 1h 30m
RSVP: Cindi Emond at canadarome@gmail.com by April 12 at latest for special visitor's list for the Swiss Guards


Msgr José A. Bettencourt, who is from the Archdiocese of Ottawa, was ordained into the priesthood in 1993.

His studies have included:
B.A (Arts) from the University of Ottawa
Theological studies at the Dominican College of Philosophy and Theology (Ottawa)
B.Th. University of St. Paul (Ottawa)
J.C. and J.C.D from the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome)
Papal diplomatic studies at the Pontificia Accademia Ecclesiastica (Rome).

Msgr Bettencourt has served at:
The Apostolic Nunciature in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1999-2002)
Section for Relations with States at Secretary of State (Vatican) (1999-present)
Prelate of the Papal “Ante Camera” (2007-present)