‘A servant of unity’: Għajnsielem archpriest reflects on his mission

Fr Joseph Hili was installed as archpriest of Għajnsielem parish by Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma on Saturday, December 13, during a pontifical mass at Our Lady of Loreto parish church where the ‘rite of possession’ was performed.

In his address, archpriest Hili described the occasion as a day of grace, not because a new archpriest had been installed, but because the Holy Spirit continues to guide and care for the community of Our Lady of Loreto. He thanked Bishop Teuma for the trust placed in him and expressed his gratitude to the people of Għajnsielem for the warm welcome he had already experienced during his short time in the parish. Above all, Fr Hili thanked God for allowing him to serve in Għajnsielem.

Fr Hili stressed that a parish priest was not an owner – not someone who decided everything, imposed personal visions, or says “it must be done this way because I say so”. He emphasised that this was not the Church that Christ intended.

The parish priest, he explained, was not merely an administrator of a religious institution or someone who managed structures from above.

“That is not the Church. That is not the parish. It never was,” he said.

Reflecting on his mission, Fr Hili asked: “What am I called to be among you?” He answered that he was called to be a servant of unity, someone who helped, facilitated and encouraged the community to become what it was already called to be. Quoting the words of Jesus, he reminded those present: “Whoever wants to be first among you must be the servant of all.”

The new archpriest committed himself to praying for and with the parish community every day, carrying each person in his heart before the Lord. He stated clearly that the parish cannot belong to the archpriest or the priests alone, as that would lead to failure.

“It must be our common home, a home we build together, stone by stone, day after day,” he said.

Fr Hili called on the community for their courage to speak the truth, even when it was uncomfortable; for their creativity in shaping the future; for their patience when mistakes were made; and for their prayers, especially in difficult times.

Towards the end of his speech, Fr Hili expressed heartfelt thanks to all those who had been part of his life journey and who helped make this new chapter possible – his family, friends, parish organisations, the local council, and all those who offered their support.

Special thanks were extended to Fr Joe Cardona and Fr Gabriel Gauci. He also expressed deep gratitude to the community of San Giuliano in Milan, where he served pastorally for the past seven years, including Don Luca and several parishioners who were present for the ceremony.

Fr Hili concluded: “My commitment is to love you and serve you as Christ taught me, with my whole heart and without holding back. Do not leave me alone on this journey – walk with me, correct me and encourage me. Together, with the help of Our Mother Mary of Loreto, who never abandons us, may we live as a community that is truly one heart and one soul.”

The mass was animated by an orchestra under the direction of Mro Frankie Debono, together with the Lauretana choir, directed by Lelio Spiteri, and the Virgo choir, directed by Maureen Zerafa.

Following mass, everyone was invited to continue sharing in the joy of the occasion at a reception in the parish square.

Photo: Charles Spiteri