Kercem parish priest is new Bishop of Gozo

It's confirmed - Gozo's new Bishop will be Kercem parish priest 48-year-old Fr Mario Grech.

The Gozo Curia issued a statement yesterday confirming the news that the Vatican had chosen Fr Grech as the successor to Bishop Nikol Cauchi, who has led the diocese since 1972 (he had been appointed Apostolic Administrator in 1967). The Times yesterday reported that Fr Grech was expected to be named by the Vatican as the sister island's Bishop Cauchi had tendered his resignation upon turning 75 last year, saying that he would like to retire at the earliest opportunity.

Yesterday a representative of the Apostolic Nuncio in Malta presented now Mgr Grech with the document conferring his appointment in the presence of outgoing Bishop Cauchi.

During the ceremony Mgr Grech thanked God for his call and Pope Benedict XVI for the trust he had shown in him. He also thanked Mgr Cauchi for his service to the people of Gozo.

In one of his first comments, Mgr Grech laid emphasis on the loyalty and joy of priesthood as a way to give to the Church and society what is expected of priests. The date of his episcopal consecration will be announced later.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister sent a letter of congratulations to the new Bishop. "Although the responsibilities of whoever is in a leading position are considerable and often characterised by moments of difficulty, the wisdom you have shown throughout your career fill us with courage," Dr Gonzi said.

"I am sure that, through your leadership, the relationship between the Gozitan diocese and state will be strengthened for the material and spiritual benefit of the people we are called to serve," he concluded.

Kercem council said it was "very proud" of Mgr Grech's appointment and promised him full support.

Mgr Grech started his priestly formation at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Gozo in 1977, and was ordained in 1984.

He then continued his studies at the Lateran University where he obtained the licence 'utroque iure'. He continued his studies at the Pontifical University of St Thomas, obtaining a doctorate in canon law.

In Rome he was involved in pastoral work in the parish of Santa Maria. When he returned to Gozo he was involved in pastoral work in various fields.

At the moment he is judicial vicar of the Gozitan diocese and also a judge on Malta's Metropolitan Tribunal. He is also a member of the College of Counsellors and of the diocesan commissions of theology, of the family and of the means of social communication.

Late last year, Bishop Cauchi appointed him parish priest of Kercem.