Sister Hanako Kojima, FMA, is a Japanese missionary who has been in Mongolia for many years. People are easily impressed by her jovial character and ability to communicate well in the Mongolian language. She will be the head of the selected staff who will prepare the Pope's meals during his stay in the Apostolic Prefecture. “When I was told that I would have this task I was so happy, but also so scared" Sr. Hanako explained. The protocol does not allow Sister Hanako to reveal the papal menu. “I feel really privileged to have been chosen along with other sisters for this humble service to our Holy Father,” Sr Hanako said with joy shining in her eyes.

Bro. Andrew Le Phuong Tran, SDB, has been a Vietnamese missionary to Mongolia for many years. Previously, he was in charge of the Ulaanbaatar Technical Training Centre. He is currently the Economer of the Delegation, responsible for the Planning and Development Office (PDO) and is also the Economer of the Apostolic Prefecture. Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulanbaatar, appointed him General Coordinator of the Pope's visit. He will be part of the official Delegation that will receive the Pope at the airport and greet him on 4 September. "My role involves meeting and informing Mongolian government officials, liaising with the Vatican staff in charge of the Pope's visit and supervising logistics" explained Bro. Andrew.

Asked what his biggest challenge is, Bro. Andrew explained that, in addition to the heavy workload and tight deadlines, he had to meet with government officials, many of whom were initially unaware of all the implications of the Pope's visit. In fact, this is a first for many in Mongolia. “But my joy is even greater when I see the transformation of the understanding of many government officials and ordinary Mongolian citizens regarding the Pope's visit. When we began preparations, we were dealing with undersecretaries of departments who were not fully aware of the implications of the papal visit. But as the Holy Father's arrival approached, many government ministers contacted me to verify that the government's preparations were in place ” explained Bro. Andrew.

“Welcome to Mongolia, Pope Francis!” comments the entire Salesian Family in the country.

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