In the first Pastoral Letter by the ninth Bishop of Gozo Mgr Anton Teuma, he thanked God for the gift of Bishop Mons. Mario Grech, who, he said, has served our Diocese of Gozo as its Pastor for the last fifteen years.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever! ” (Psalm 135). Bishop Teuma said, “through Mons. Bishop Mario Grech, the Lord has given us many graces. Allow me to mention just a few of them.”

“His love for the Word of God led him to strengthen the catechism of children and adolescents; and promote various groups, such as those of the Lectio Divina, the Neo-Catechumenal communities and the Eucharistic communities. And this, without neglecting the associations and movements of the Legion of Mary, the Museum and Catholic Action,” said the Bishop.

Bishop Teuma highlighted the fact that his predecessor had stressed how much he wanted the Eucharist to be celebrated with the dignity it deserves. “He often enlightened and encouraged us with beautiful homilies, blended with the Word and the depth of his person. The preparation and care of the Liturgy were for us a call and a stimulus for the Breaking of the Bread to be done properly.”

“He was attentive to those who were suffering,” Bishop Teuma added that he was often found near the bed of the sick and the dying. “He spoke in favour of the stranger and encouraged us to have a strong heart to welcome everyone. He made sure that there were people in the Diocese who truly cared for the sick, the poor and the needy, and did his best to help everyone.”

It is fitting, therefore, said Bishop Teuma, “that we thank God from the bottom of our hearts for the gifts he has given us in the person of Bishop Mario Grech. It is also fitting, at the end of his mission in our Diocese, to thank him and promise him our prayers.”

Bishop Teuma went on to say, “thank you, your Excellency, for your hard work and dedication as our Bishop. Thank you for always being there for us. Thank you for your suffering in silence. Thank you for losing sleep because of our worries. Thank you, your Excellency, for the courage you have always shown us.”

“Last but not least, thank you, your Excellency, who in your person will take a piece of the Gozitan Church into the heart of the Universal Church.”

Bishop Teuma concluded by saying “While we ask you to pray for us, we promise you our prayers.”

Photo: Diocese of Gozo/Anthony Grech

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