Aug. 30, 2012
After attending the Mass of the Holy Spirit to begin the 2012-2013 academic year, students gathered on the CUA Mall to greet the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, the Archbishop of Washington, and the University President at the seventh annual University Picnic.
Three large tents, one adorned with a "Welcome Archbishop Viganò" banner, covered dozens of tables draped with red and white cloths for some of the approximately 2,500 expected guests. During the picnic, the University community was invited to greet Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States; Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington and Chancellor of the University; and University President John Garvey.
After leaving the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where Mass was held, Garvey approached a group of CUA students.
"Can I introduce you guys?" he asked, pointing to Archbishop Viganò. The Papal Nuncio and University President spent a few minutes chatting with the young women about where they were from and why they came to Catholic University.
"It was really great to meet him," said junior music major Esther Nyberg of Archbishop Viganò. "He was impressed with the diversity among us since we're from all over. I'm from Chicago, and some of us are from Texas or more local areas, like Maryland."
While Archbishop Viganò, Cardinal Wuerl, and Garvey wondered among the tents greeting students, faculty, and staff, guests lined up at eight tables filled with food, including 1,200 hot dogs, 1,200 cheeseburgers, 800 hamburgers, and 500 veggie burgers.
