On Sunday, the Pastoral Secretariat within the Diocese of Gozo celebrated International Migrants Day with the collaboration of the Office of Coordination and Support for Ethnic Communities here in Gozo.

A Concelebration was held in the English language at the Church of St. Francis in Victoria, led by Can. Noel Saliba, who is in charge of this new Office within the Church in Gozo. Also joining him in the Concelebration were Canon. Loreto Tabone, Chaplain of the English Speaking Catholic Community, and Rev. Anton Schembri, Delegate for the Office of Migrants in Gozo.

In the Mass, Rev. Noel spoke about how St. Joseph, despite the difficulties he encountered, after serious discernment accepted to take on the responsibility of welcoming Mary and taking care of her together with the baby Jesus.

He explained how the Office that he started leading recently within the Diocese of Gozo has a lot to learn from St. Joseph to welcome and take care of foreigners living on the island, trying to understand their difficulties and offer them the support they need.

The Choir of the Filipino Community in Gozo, directed by Ryden Glinofria, enlivened the liturgy, and representatives from the Anglican Community in Gozo proclaimed the Word of God during the Mass.

Afterwards, those present had a social meeting in the Hall of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, where the Office of Coordination and Support of the Ethnic Communities in Gozo was introduced, having first been set up by the Diocese of Gozo last September.

The Gozo Dioceses said that around 4,000 foreigners live in Gozo, with no less than 10 communities meeting regularly for liturgical celebrations, including three communities of English Catholics, and a community of English Anglicans, Italians, Filipinos, Orthodox Serbs, Indians, and a group from Nepal.

The Diocese said that “in addition to these, there are several foreigners in Gozo that it is the desire of the Church to help them integrate more into our society.”

Those present were also informed about basic Maltese courses that are being offered for foreigners in Gozo, organised by volunteer teachers, free of charge.

There are plans to start taking Maltese courses at a higher level and also English language courses. A Præsidium of the Legion of Mary was recently established for the Philippines and a Catholic Action group for foreigners will start in January.

Representatives from each ethnic community in Gozo made a short presentation about the work of their community and explained what they found helpful and also the difficulties, sometimes serious, they encountered.

The Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma also attended this meeting, greeting those present personally following which he delivered his message.

The Bishop mentioned the valuable and indispensable contribution that these communities are offering to the Gozitan society and mentioned how the presence of these communities is a wealth that should be recognised and appreciated, so that they integrate better in our society and reach the common good.

“Love is acceptance,” stated the Bishop, who at the end thanked all those who are helping in this pastoral work with foreigners in Gozo, among them Canon. Noel Saliba, the members of the Legion of Mary, the Conventual Franciscan Friars, and to all those who are hosting the various communities for their meetings.

He then presented a Certificate of the occasion to the leaders of each community.

Photos: Diocese of Gozo

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