New Archbishop to be ordained on January 26

The Episcopal Ordination of Mgr Paul Cremona, the newly-appointed Archbishop, will take place at St John's Co-Cathedral, in Valletta, on January 26 at 6.30 p.m.

Before the ordination, which will be conducted by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, there will be a cortege from the Dominican convent, in Valletta, to the Co-Cathedral.

The Curia said Thanksgiving Mass will be said at St John's on January 19 as Mgr Mercieca approaches the end of his episcopate. Mgr Mercieca became archbishop on December 12, 1976. A prayer vigil will be held at the cathedral on January 25.

On Monday, Mgr Cremona had a meeting with Archbishop Mercieca, Bishop Annetto Depasquale and members of the clergy who work at the Archbishop's Curia.

He met parish priests and archpriests yesterday. Next week, Mgr Cremona will go to Rome on a private visit lasting a few days.

Archbishop Mercieca, Mgr Cremona and Mgr Depasquale will be receiving members of the public who wish to exchange with them the season's greetings, on December 31 at the Archbishop's Palace, Valletta, from 9 to 11.30 a.m.

On New Year's Day, the bishops will be at the Archbishop's Palace but in view of time limitations they will only be able to receive those who ask for and are duly granted, an appointment.

Leaders of institutions, constituted bodies and organisations wishing to make an appointment with the bishops for the New Year should contact the Archbishop's private secretary by December 19 to make the necessary arrangements (tel: 2123 4317, fax: 2122 3307, e-mail: fr.mario.camilleri@maltachurch.org.mt).