Concelebrated Mass for the Pope

On April 9, a week after the death of Pope John Paul II, Bishop Nikol Cauchi led a concelebrated Mass for his repose at the Gozo Cathedral.

Bishop Cauchi concelebrated with 60 priests.

Among the large congregation from all over Gozo were Mr Speaker Anton Tabone and Gozitan MPs.

In his homily, Bishop Cauchi said that during the past few days since the Pope's death, thousands of people had positive comments and words of praise for former Cardinal Karol Wojtyla.

He said that Pope John Paul II managed to draw towards him people of all races and nations, especially youth. He visited many parts of the world, among them our islands.

He showed compassion for all human beings, even the socially marginalised, such as the sick, poor, lepers and prisoners. He tried to understand them, showed his respect and love for them, and did his best to instil peace and hope in all those he met.

Pope John Paul II wanted the people to come to terms with what they were to avoid in their lives and work towards a better life. He deplored hatred and promoted love, he condemned death and spoke in favour of life. He promoted ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. He also touched the conscience of atheists and non-believers.

As believers we cannot help noticing John Paul's spiritual unity with God, Bishop Cauchi said. He was truly the contemplativus in actione. Proof of this are his writings dealing not only with social problems but also with the relationship between God and His creation.

A great devotee of the Virgin Mary, while in Malta the Pope encouraged us to "turn to Mary, the Mother of the Sacred Family of Nazareth, and the Mother of humanity, who serves as a model for humanity".

Bishop Cauchi concluded by expressing the hope that the Pope's teachings would remain with us to guide us through our lives.