Sunday, 22nd January, was a memorable day for all Gozitans, and the Catholic Church. Mgr. Mario Grech Parish Priest of Kercem became the eighth bishop of the Gozo Diocese in an emotional ceremony that was presided over by Bishop Mgr. Nikol G. Cauchi.

Crowds began to gather in the early hours of the morning and by around 8am, Republic Street, in Victoria Gozo was absolutely packed with hundreds of well-wishers, eager for the first glimpse of their new Bishop. Mgr. Mario Grech appeared in an open top car at about 9.15am, with a smile on his face waving, and blessing the crowd. He was greeted with thunderous applause by everyone present, with shouts of “Viva l-Isqof taghna” (Hail our Bishop) being clearly heard from the crowd.

The procession was accompanied by the police cavalcade and the police band as a sign of respect due to the fact that Bishop Grech’s father, George, is an ex-policeman. Bishop Grech then proceeded by motorcade to the main Square “It-Tokk” where he walked up to St Mary’s Cathedral Church accompanied by a huge crowd, his personal assistant, Fr. Eddie Zammit, family, and close friends.

Momentous scenes were then witnessed as the Bishop began ascending the steps to the imposing Cathedral Church, always accompanied by applause as he constantly waved and blessed the crowd. Once Bishop Grech had retired to the Cathedral sacristy to prepare for the Mass, the solemn inaugural procession began, with well over a hundred priests from Gozo, and some came from Malta, making their way towards the main altar.

Several dignitaries had already taken their places in the Cathedral, including President Edward Fenech Adami, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Alfred Sant. Solemn Mass was celebrated by Bishop Nikol Cauchi accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Blanco de Petro, Archbishop of Malta Mgr. Joseph Mercieca.

The music chosen for the occasion was San Antonio, composed by Nazzareno Refalo, with hymns composed by Mgr. Marco Frisina, translated into Maltese by Archdeacon Carmelo Refalo. The orchestra and choir were under the direction of Bishop Grech’s brother, Mro. Carmel Grech, who is Maestro di Cappella in his native village of Kercem. The Gospel reading was based on the Bishop’s motto, In Fractione Panis (at the breaking of the bread), and recounted the famous episode at Emmaus when the risen Christ revealed himself to the apostles.

In his homily, Bishop Cauchi said that the Cathedral was witnessing its third episcopal confirmation after Bishop Joseph Pace in 1944 and he himself in 1967, and this was indeed a glorious moment for the church. He said that bishops are the branches through which the church’s teachings are manifested and such an episcopal confirmation is truly the apex of our faith. Bishop Nikol Cauchi explained that a diocesan bishop has a great many responsibilities and is the focal point of the local church. He said that the clergy should be faithful to Mgr. Grech, and his flock should also pray for the new bishop – apart from being obedient – and offer cooperation when required.

The confirmation ceremony was the high point of the occasion, with Bishop Grech receiving the three symbolic trappings of his role: the mitre, the ring and the sceptre. He was also anointed with oil by Bishop Cauchi, who also posed a number of questions to him on his acceptance of the role and position of Bishop for the Diocese of Gozo.

As soon as Bishop Grech was fully attired in the splendour of his regalia, he turned to the congregation to acknowledge their praise, with the Cathedral erupting in applause – truly a moment of high emotion. Before reciting the Creed of Faith, Bishop Grech paused for a moment and reflected on the significance that his first prayer as a bishop was a statement of faith.

After this slight pause, he launched into the text with a remarkable intensity that was continued throughout the rest of the Mass. Bishop Grech also came down into the body of the church at least twice to thank the dignitaries, and also spoke briefly to his 92-year-old grandmother and his parents, George and Stella.

During the singing of the Te Deum that followed Holy Communion, Bishop Grech descended from his throne to bless the congregation. After the Mass was concluded, he was presented with a huge cake on the steps of the Cathedral Church that commemorated his Episcopal confirmation.

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