Foster altruism, Bishop tells journalists

On The Occasion of the feast of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, Bishop Mario Grech led a concelebrated Mass at the church of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Victoria, last Tuesday.

Bishop Grech thanked journalists and all members of the media for working so hard to help the Gozo diocese share the joy of his consecration: the ceremony was broadcast live on television, on the Internet and radio.

Mgr Grech reminded journalists that God was not only present in a church or in the tabernacle - He was also present in other ways in today's world, even though it was not obvious to everyone. It was the Catholic journalist's duty to make God's presence more evident, Mgr Grech pointed out.

He urged journalists to foster a spirit of altruism while carrying out their work, saying he did not believe journalism aimed to bring about division, but rather to being about harmony.

During the Mass, Bishop Grech was assisted by Fr Ruben Micallef, editor of Il-Hajja f'Ghawdex, Canon Anthony Refalo, the Diocesan Curia's public relations officer, Fr Eddie Zammit, the bishop's private secretary, Mgr Carmelo Scicluna and Mgr John Dimech.

The Lessons were read by Charles Spiteri, president of the Gozo Journalists' Association, and Chev. Joe M. Attard, the association's secretary, recited the prayers of the faithful. The association's PRO, Fr George Mercieca, read the Gospel.