An in-depth analysis of bishop Nikol Cauchi’s social legacy
224-page book features written presentations, timeline and 122 photos, some being published for the first time
On the occasion of the conference titled ‘Nikol Cauchi – Bishop of Vatican II’, the Lumen Christi Publications and the Fondazzjoni Il-Ħajja f’Għawdex published a book to commemorate bishop Nikol Cauchi on the 15th anniversary of his death.
L-Isqof Nikol G. Cauchi – Kif niftakruh presents writings by various authors who have had a working relationship with Cauchi or who came to know him during his lifetime.
With its 224 pages of written presentations, a biographical timeline and 122 coloured photographs, some appearing in public for the first time, the book is a worthwhile and timely tribute to this much-loved bishop of Gozo.
It traces the bishop’s humble childhood in the village of Għarb ‒ the son of the parish church sacristan, the first years of his vocation as a seminarian and his studies in Rome, his experiences as a parish priest and the years of his episcopal ministry until retirement and leaving the direction of the diocese to his successor, Mario Grech.
The biographical essays in the book describe Cauchi’s unremitting apostolate as bishop emeritus until his very last days.
Cardinal Grech, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb and the current bishop, Anton Teuma, present their reflections on their late mentor.
Grech expounds on Cauchi’s episcopal motto, Fortiter et Suavitur, Xuereb on his paternal affection for his flock, while Teuma remembers his predicessor’s untiring efforts to spread the Gospel with zest and sincerity by deed and word.
Other writings describe Cauchi’s leadership skills in changing the attitudes of the people of God in his diocese so as to conform to the aggiornamento of Vatican II.
Some pages are devoted to the Cauchi’s teaching and practical achievements in the social field to improve the welfare of Gozitans, not least, a social housing scheme for young families, and his support for setting up hostels for Gozitan workers and students in Malta.
On page 84, one finds a photograph of the first committee of the Għaqda Ħaddiema u Studenti Għawdxin Magħquda (mistakenly written as Gozitan journalists). Another wish expressed by Cauchi was the establishment of a Church secondary school for girls in Gozo.
The gradual updating of the organisation for the Catholic lay apostolate according to the Vatican II guidelines is given due importance in the book, as is his legacy of the scheme for young priests to continue their studies in foreign universities.
Cauchi’s formidable literary production is also reviewed.
L-Isqof Nikol G. Cauchi – Kif niftakruh was compiled and edited by Fondazzjoni Il-Ħajja f’Għawdex secretary Francesco Pio Attard.