The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (PEP) medal – the Cross of Honour has been presented in recent weeks by E.T. Mons. Mario Grech, Bishop Emeritus for Gozo to four members of the Diocese of Gozo community: Maria Attard (from Xaghra), Toni Grima (from Xewkija), Charles Spiteri (from Ghajnsielem), and Antoine Vassallo (from Victoria).

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.

Maria Attard – presentation

Bishop Grech said, ” it is with a strong sense of gratitude for what you have accomplished in the Church that I am passing on this recognition of Pope Francis in particular for these tasks… In carrying out your teaching profession you have always tried to combine academic learning with values of the Gospel and thus helped to shape whole generations.

“It was you who together with Mons. Manwel Curmi, opened and ran Dar Guzeppa Debono, where girls who were expecting a baby were welcomed.

“You have promoted and strengthened among us a pro-life culture, especially of the unborn child. Above all, you were the one who founded the Anawim Community. Driven by missionary love, you are working to instill this charisma in Guatemala.”

Toni Grima – PresentationBishop Grech said, “the Pope has welcomed the request to give you the honour of the PEP for your full commitment to the Church in Gozo.

“With this knowledge I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to you personally because as a Museum Partner you have spent your life teaching the catechism to children scattered throughout the Diocese – in you I greet all your fellow members of the Museum (men and women) to whom I am grateful for their dedication to giving Christian teaching to our children.

“I appreciate the service you have given over the five years that as a Partner you were a Regional Superior. I also want to thank you for the collaboration I found in you in various administrative projects of the Diocese and in the organisation of various diocesan celebrations. Above all, I appreciate the work in your parish of Xewkija.”

Antoine Vassallo – PresentationBishop Grech said, “in recognition of your exemplary dedication to the Church, the Pope welcomed the request that I submitted to give you the PEP honour.

“In addition to being a teacher, you were a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and as an active member in Catholic Action and a member of the Diocesan Commission for the Apostolate of the Laity (KDAL).

“You have shown your availability when I asked you to be the Diocesan President of Catholic Action in Gozo. For several years you represented the Diocese in the Gozo Regional Council. You have always been active in your parish of St. George. ”

Charles Spiteri – PresentationMgr. 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.

“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.

“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.”

Photos: Gozo Diocese

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