Archbishop Paul Cremona yesterday visited the university at the invitation of the University Chaplaincy.
On his arrival at the university chapel, he was welcomed by the Rector, Prof. Juanito Camilleri, University Chaplain Fr Jimmy Bartolo, the Jesuit Provincial Fr Paul Chetcuti, and members of the Chaplaincy Council and teams.
After a brief prayer the Archbishop proceeded to a short meeting with the Rector and senior officials of the university, who presented him with a silver medallion with the university emblem.
He then greeted the staff of the administration building, followed by an informal meeting with technical staff. The latter presented him with a wooden lectern and two candlesticks made by staff members.
Mgr Cremona then met the members of the Faculty of Theology. Members of the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU) and representatives of student organisations were met by the Archbishop for a coffee break in the students' common room.
The highlight of the visit was the meeting he had with students and staff at Sir Temi Zammit Hall. The Christian band Salt warmed the students and staff up for the arrival of the Archbishop with some of their original songs.
The Archbishop sat on stage among the students. He was first addressed by the Chancellor, Prof. John Rizzo Naudi and the KSU President, David Herrera.
The Archbishop followed with a short address himself. The meeting ended with a speech of thanks by Fr Bartolo, and the presentation of a sum of money by the student organisations to the Archbishop to donate to needy causes.
The last event of the visit was the Ash Wednesday Mass starting the Lenten season, celebrated at the university chapel.
Priests lecturing at university concelebrated. After Mass, the Archbishop planted an olive tree near the chapel while pigeons, symbolising peace and unity, were released.
Mgr Cremona to visit Gozo
Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona will meet the clergy and the people during his first pastoral visit to Gozo on Saturday.
Between 9 a.m. and noon he will lead prayers for priests which will be followed by a meal.
At 6 p.m. he will lead a concelebrated Mass at the Rabat Cathedral to which all Gozitans are invited.