'No reports of wrongdoing' as investigation is prolonged

The Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech yesterday said the Commissioner for Children and social workers had visited the Lourdes Children's Home in Ghajnsielem to look into alleged wrongdoings but nothing negative was reported following the visit.

He was referring to reports in a section of the media about the alleged physical abuse of children a year ago.

In the meantime, a commission set up to investigate the allegations has not yet concluded its work.

Mgr Grech was speaking during a concelebration at the Don Bosco Oratory in Victoria on the occasion of the feast of St John Bosco.

Mgr Grech said that he had taken interest in the children at the home and had paid a visit.

"At no point did it result to me that the children were exposed to the risks mentioned in the allegations.

"On the other hand it seemed that the children are loved and taken care of by the Dominican sisters who practically live for them day and night," he said.

Immediately after certain allegations were made, he had appointed a commission consisting of Judge Victor Caruana Colombo, lawyer Ruth Farrugia, psychologist Angela Abela and Mgr Fortunato Mizzi, to investigate.

Mgr Grech said the commission was given a time limit of two months to complete its work but a two-month extension has been requested.

The Bishop added that although he was unhappy that the investigation was taking so long, as he had indicated in writing to the commission, he was convinced the delay was not capricious.

He believed that since the investigation was still going on, he would not interfere in the work of the Commission.

He added that when the commission submits its report, he would take the necessary steps if needed.