Bishop ordains five priests, deacon

Bishop Nikol Cauchi recently ordained five priests and a deacon during a concelebrated Mass at the Cathedral in Victoria.

The new deacon is Michael Galea of Xaghra, while the new priests are Christopher Cauchi of Gharb, Peter Sammut of Nadur, Dominic Sultana from Xaghra, George Buttigieg of the Franciscan Conventuals and Pierre Farrugia of the Franciscan Friars Minor.

In his homily, Bishop Cauchi described the meaning of priestly ordination, explaining that it is not only an important journey for those who become deacons and priests, but also a special occasion for the local and universal Church as those who are being ordained are new workers of God.

Referring to a passage he had read, stating that the apostolate is the life of truth, he said that in these times there is a greater need for truth as it is not appreciated and many try to manipulate it for their own ends.

This is why it is essential for people to look at the priesthood, deaconate and the apostolate in this light, as these people serve the truth. He said that one should remember that these consecrated people are trying every day to be closer and to live as one with Christ. It was Christ who said, "I am the truth and the life" as well as "The truth will free you".

The bishop also insisted that the priests and deacons of today need to look for, value, defend and, above all, live according to the truth. He explained that the meaning of truth exists in two forms: natural truth and supernatural truth. Both are important as a true priest should love, respect and have pity.

However, a priest would be mistaken to think that he could organise his own life and the apostolate by building on his own sufferings and emotions. Many times a priest will have to win over his desires and will have to do what he feels in his heart is right to continue living according to the truth.

Often, Bishop Cauchi said, people attack and protest against the principles on which Christian morals and ethics are built, and which are also found in the Ten Commandments.

The faith taught to us by the Church and by our ancestors is alas no longer followed by some. They believe it has served its purpose and is now outdated. However, it will always remain strong and needed.

A priest should also have great faith in God and in His promise to remain with us till the end, as well as faith in the Church and its divine mission, especially in modern times, as there are many who are against and criticise the Church and try to persecute it in some way.

There are those who persecute it with negative propaganda and those who try to ridicule it. This is why it is necessary for priests to have a strong faith in God to accept solid truths.

Appealing for people to avoid temptation, he also asked them to pray as the Church, deacons and priests do not only have the Missal in their hands to say Mass but also have a breviary to pray every day and during certain times of the day. Without prayer one can do nothing and can never obtain any spiritual benefit, he concluded.