Mgr. Mario Grech was consecrated as the Bishop of Gozo on Sunday morning during a concelebrated ceremony in the Marija Assunta Cathedral, at the Citadel, Victoria. New Bishop Mario Grech was consecrated by former Bishop Mgr. Nikol Cauchi who handed in his resignation in 2004 upon turning 75; following 38 years of service. The Cathedral was packed with faithful Gozitans who participated in the ceremony. Some Maltese citizens also traveled to Gozo specifically to attend the consecration of the new Gozitan Bishop. In turn, numerous activities are being held to complement the event.
 Gozitan streets were decorated with pavilions and lights, while several residents are flying flags off their house roofs in a sign of celebration. The three-hour long concelebrated ceremony kicked off with choir singing just after 1000CET, and was followed by mass which came to an end after 1315CET with the recital of the Te Deum.
In a speech which followed the ceremony, Bishop Mario Grech pledged to give his life so that Christ’s power could blossom within each and every person in the Gozitan community so that salvation and peace could be obtained both in this life and beyond. He added that this mission is reflected in the choice of his insignia as well as motto: "Recognise him in the breaking of the bread", from St. Luke's Evangel. Commenting on the large presence of people for his consecration, Bishop Mario Grech said that this was a confirmation of the devotion of the Gozitan society. The Bishop thanked God for this confirmation and prayed that the spiritual devotion expressed by the Gozitan community today would be reinforced through his guidance as head of Gozitan churches.
The event was attended by Malta’s highest authorities including Maltese President Dr. Edward Fenech Adami, Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition and Malta Labour Party Leader Dr. Alfred Sant and Maltese Archbishop Mgr. Joseph Mercieca.
Following the ceremony hundreds of Gozitans flocked around the Cathedral to catch a glimpse of their new Bishop and celebrate his consecration.
Various activities will follow this historic event, including the cutting of a large cake which took approximately two months to bake and decorate fully. When Mgr. Nikol Cauchiwas consecrated as Bishop 38 years ago, a similar cake was made.
Bishop Mario Grech is the eighth Bishop of the Gozitan Diocese.
See also:
New Gozo bishop’s programme of activities launched
By MaltaMedia News
Jan 6, 2006, 20:33 CET
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