Bishop ordains priest and four deacons

Bishop Nikol Cauchi, accompanied by the cathedral chapter and several clergy, recently ordained a priest and four deacons during a concelebrated Mass at Gozo Cathedral.

Geoffrey G. Attard from St George's parish church in Victoria, who was ordained to the priesthood, and Christopher Cauchi of Gharb, Pierre Farrugia, OFM, of Canada, Peter Paul Sammut of Nadur, and Dominic Sultana of Xaghra who were ordained deacons, all completed their education and priestly formation at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Victoria.

In his homily, Bishop Cauchi said that this was a happy day not only for those who were being ordained but also for their families and the diocese. The challenges the priest faces in a securalised world which is drifting further away from the Lord are not small, however he should not lose faith when in the face of difficulties and confusion and should find strength in the Holy Spirit, the bishop said.

It was Jesus who chose them for this mission and by following him they have accepted to deliver the Word of God.

He also said that throughout the years, the Lord has always found priests and consecrated figures, in his Church, who throughout their lives are models of holiness for Christians of all time. He added that not only children and the elderly are expecting them to deliver Christ's message but all other categories, including youths, married couples and those experiencing difficult moments in their lives.

Bishop Cauchi also encouraged the newly ordained to have faith in the Holy Spirit, to obey the laws of the Church and follow the example set by other priests and saints which God sends in every country at all time.