Pope honours Gozitan Charles Spiteri with the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice”

Mgr. Mario Grech, Apostolic Administrator for Gozo, has presented the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” medal – the Cross of Honour – to Charles Spiteri.

This honour is given by the Pope to those Christians who have distinguished themselves for services rendered to the Roman Catholic Church in one field or another.

The ceremony took place this evening following the sacrement of Confirmation in the Parish Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto, Ghajnsielem.Mgr. Bishop Grech thanked Mr Spiteri, on behalf of the Church in Gozo, for his service over many years in the field of local journalism, especially towards diocesan activities.

He said that, “Charles Spiteri is a veteran journalist and for many years his name has been synonymous with what was broadcast about Gozo. Years ago, when social communication was not so widespread, Spiteri undertook to communicate news about the events taking place in Gozo.”Mgr Grech added that, “what Spiteri did for Gozo, he also did for the Diocese. Charles was the channel for the life of religious associations, for the parishes of the diocese and of Gozitan missionaries to become national news. For some years he was a regular contributor to the Gozo diocesan magazine – Hajja f’Ghawdex.”

For this love towards the Church, Pope Francis welcomed the request of Bishop Mario Grech to honour him with the award, saying, from here we congratulate him and thank him for the selfless service he continually gives to the diocesan media.

Photographs: Joe Grech