Pastoral mission among the Maltese in Brussels

The Maltese Church has just launched its first pastoral mission in Brussels catering for the spiritual needs of the Maltese community there.

Over the past three years, since Malta's accession to the EU, the number of Maltese families settling in the EU's capital has been increasing substantially, reaching almost 200 members.

On the initiative of Fr Alfred Vella, who is responsible for the Emigrants Commission, the first foundation stone of the pastoral mission in Brussels was laid last Friday when Gozo Bishop Mario Grech celebrated Mass at a Jesuit-run centre in the heart of the Belgian city.

Several Maltese people turned up for the occasion, which is expected to become a regular event, as Fr Vella said the intention is to hold Mass in Maltese at least once a month.

During his visit to Brussels, Mgr Grech also paid a visit to Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg, Maltese MEPs at the European Parliament and met Maltese officials at Dar Malta - Malta's Permanent Representation to the EU.