The new Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech spent most of the day on Thursday talking to male and female inmates when he visited the Corradino Civil Prisons.
The visit was one of the activities at the start of Mgr Grech's episcopate after he was consecrated in Victoria on Sunday.
Mgr Grech, who was welcomed by prison director Sandro Gatt and other officials, also concelebrated Mass for the inmates with Fr Leopoldo Tabone, Fr Franco Fenech and Fr William Axiaq.
Mgr Grech expressed his appreciation for the pastoral work carried out by the Capuchin fathers and nuns who work at the facility and urged inmates to do their utmost to continue treasuring their faith.
After the prison visit Mgr Grech, together with Fr Eddie Zammit, visited Gozitan patients at St Luke's and Sir Paul Boffa hospitals.
Bishop Grech is looking forward to meeting Gozitan families during a family feast to be held at the Victoria Sports Complex tomorrow.
The Qalb tad-Deheb (Golden Heart) Award will be presented to the Portelli family of Nadur during the event.