New Nuncio, new Bishop, new Europe

Eastertide this year, coming to its end on Pentecost, did indeed bring with it a meaningful sense of newness in the Maltese Islands.

Not only do we have to adapt our lifestyle, from top to bottom, to a new Europe, but also to a new community in the Church after the Diocesan Synod which came to an end on Pentecost Sunday. Indeed, the Synod, like Pentecost itself, is not a once and for all experience, but the beginning of a new style of life marked by a sustained effort towards filll commitment and perseverance. Now we begin.

Almost on the eve of Pentecost we received the pleasant news that Pope John Paul II had appointed Archbishop Felix Del Blanco Prieto as Apostolic Nuncio to Malta. This appointment has been timed almost to perfection. On May 1, 2004, Malta will become an integral part of the European Union. To complete its mission with success, Malta will have to maintain regular contacts with all other Bishops' Conferences in Europe and, above all, with the Holy See.

One of the greatest blessings at the moment is that the Universal Church has at its helm a staunch supporter of the EU, Pope John Paul II. He is an inspiration to all.

The mission of an Apostolic Nuncio also includes regular contact with the Holy See, especially with the Secretariat of State and its Secretary, who is always the person closest to the Holy Father, and shares the Pope's ideas with Nuncios all over the world.

Thank God, the days when the Maltese ecclesiastical authorities were over-cautious in their statements on the EU are now over. There were times when their silence spoke too loudly. Admittedly, political circumstances have now definitely improved - tempora mutantur (times change). And we all have to read the signs of the times... and act accordingly.

Besides the factor of a new Europe we also have that of the appointment of a new Archbishop for Malta. On reaching the age of 75 next November, Mgr Joseph Mercieca has to tender his resignation to the Pope. The channel through which the procedure passes is that of the Apostolic Nunciature. That bishops have to offer their resignation at retirement age is not an option. This is also established by the "Decree of the Bishops' Pastoral Office in the Church" of Vatican Council II.

In fact Note 21 of this Conciliar Decree says: "Since the pastoral office of bishops is so important and weighty, when diocesan bishops and others, regarded in law as their equal, have become less capable of fulfilling their duties properly because of the increasing burden of age or some other serious reason, they are earnestly requested (enixe rogantur) to offer their resignation from office either on their own initiative or on the invitation of the competent authority. If the competent authority accepts the resignation, it will make provision for the suitable support of those who have resigned and for special rights to be accorded them."

It is the Holy Spirit who guides diocesan bishops to say "yes" when appointed to office and it is the Holy Spirit who guides these same bishops to offer their resignation to the competent authority. All retired bishops have a great role to play in the spiritual welfare of the people of God. When in authority they render their services to the faithful and when no longer in authority they can still inspire priests and laity alike.