Anton Teuma was consecrated as Gozo’s new bishop on Friday, in a ceremony held at St John the Baptist rotunda in Xewkija.

The principal consecrator was Mgr Mario Grech, now Bishop emeritus of Gozo, who was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Alessandro D'Errico and Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi and Bishop of Gibraltar Carmelo Zammit were also present for the two-hour ceremony.

Teuma, who was announced as the island’s next bishop in June, is the ninth person to hold the title of Gozo Bishop. He succeeds Mgr Grech.

The Rite of the Consecration consisted mainly of the laying on of hands and the anointing of the candidate's head with holy oil. The new bishop continued to preside the Liturgy of the Eucharist, at the end of which he addressed the faithful.

Gozo’s new bishop urged believers to live the values taught by Jesus Christ and drew a comparison between faith and a mother’s love.

“If we love Jesus but do not mention him, he will not be offended. When a mother sees their children living her values, she will not worry or be concerned because the child does not say where he has been taught from.  Jesus Christ is the same", he said.

Photo: Diocese of Gozo/Anthony GrechPhoto: Diocese of Gozo/Anthony Grech

President George Vella, Prime Minister Robert Abela and other distinguished guests led the congregation. 

Bishop Teuma is expected to make his solemn entry at the Gozo Cathedral, the official seat of the Bishop of Gozo, on September 16.

Teuma was originally a welder and electrician before he was ordained as a priest in 1988. He is also a science graduate and has a post-graduate degree in family psychotherapy.

He served in the Xagħra parish as well as at the parish of St Ignatius in Rome, and spent a decade as rector of the Seminary of the Heart of Jesus.

Between 1998 and 2016, he was responsible for Eucharistic Communities in Gozo. In 2008, he spent a sabbatical year in the Holy Land.

Prime Minister Robert Abela congratulated Teuma on his new role.

"His humility, wisdom and determination will undoubtedly serve Gozo well in these challenging times," Abela said.

Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma lies prostrate during Friday's ceremony. Photo: Diocese of Gozo/Anthony GrechGozo Bishop Anton Teuma lies prostrate during Friday's ceremony. Photo: Diocese of Gozo/Anthony Grech

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