LAST Sunday, outgoing Bishop Nikol Cauchi led a thanksgiving farewell Mass at the Cathedral in Victoria. The Mass saw the participation of the new Gozo Bishop. Mgr Mario Grech, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, Apostolic Nuncio Felix del Blanco Prieto, and another 130 priests.
President Eddie Fenech Adami and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi were among the congregation.
In his homily, Bishop Cauchi thanked God for being good to him and asked for forgiveness if ever he failed someone or if ever he did not fulfil his duty in his 39-year episcopate.
Mgr Cauchi promised never to forget all those who prayed for him over the years and appealed to them to remember him in their prayers. He called on them to keep in mind their love of Christ, His Church and the Virgin Mary.
Mgr Grech, who officially becomes Bishop of Gozo this morning, thanked Bishop Cauchi for his tireless work for the Gozo Church.
"Stay with us father," he said. "Gozo still needs you. Thank you for everything you have done."
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Cauchi was presented with various gifts by the Vicar-General, Mgr Giovanni Bosco Gauci, on behalf of the Cathedral Chapter, Archpriest Tarcisio Camilleri, the secretary of the collegiate chapter, and Canon Karm Curmi on behalf of the Curia.
Mgr Gauci told The Sunday Times: "Bishop Cauchi was only 39 when he had to shoulder the responsibility of leading the diocese. It was a hard task, particularly since Vatican Council II had ended less than two years before and the reforms decreed by that council had to be implemented.
"One cannot but admit that Bishop Cauchi worked wholeheartedly and dedicated his entire life, energy and his wonderful talents to serve the Gozo diocese," he continued. "His episcopate was undoubtedly marked by his teachings - he was one of the best preacher-teachers. Not to mention his writing. He gave utmost importance to the means of communication.
"The Gozo Press continued to exist thanks to the Bishop's attention. The Media Centre was built in Victoria as a result. However the quality I admired most in him was his generosity. He forgave quickly and sincerely and found no difficulty in humility or apology. He is very sensitive, sometimes excessively so. Bishop Cauchi always tried to understand and excuse others and did everything to find a positive element even in a difficult situation.
"Years will go by and many will remember his love and the legacy he left the diocese."