New Kercem parish priest

Bishop Nikol Cauchi recently appointed Fr Mario Grech, JUL, JCD, parish priest of Kercem. He succeeds Fr Francis Debrincat, who has been appointed monsignor of the Gozo Cathedral.

Fr Grech, 47, studied at the Gozo Seminary and was ordained by Bishop Cauchi in 1984. He continued his academic studies in Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in Canon Law. During his time in Rome, he also worked at the Annunciation parish in the suburb of Quadrato.

A cortege to mark the event was recently held from Fr Grech's family home in St Gregory Street, Kercem, to the parish church, where the Vicar-General, Mgr Giovanni Bosco Gauci, led a concelebrated Mass.

Fr Grech visited various parish organisations. He was also welcomed at the Local council offices by Kercem mayor Joe Grima, who wished him well in his new position.