The Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech, has condemned ‘rude and offensive’ behaviour at this year’s Carnival in Gozo.

In comments during a Lenten ceremony at Gozo Cathedral, Mgr Grech said it was shameful that some people had paraded themselves dressed as the Risen Christ while others had imitated Christ surrounded by the Apostles in an effort to make people laugh.

It was also shameful how several people, through their actions, had undermined public decency and human dignity.

This was behaviour which revealed the irrationality that was so evident in current times. Had those involved considered their actions, they would not have acted in such a degrading manner and they would have shown more respect to society.

Mgr Grech said such incidents showed that society was living under ‘the dictatorship of relativism’ where people believed they were free from all legal or ethical boundaries and could do and say what they wanted, even when this offended or hurt others. This led to people ridiculing not only matters which were sacred, but their own human dignity.

The Bishop said Lent was an opportunity for all to reflect on the Lord’s teaching and seek conversion.