An admirable Bishop

I admired Gozo Bishop Mario Grech for showing rare courage in setting up a serious commission to investigate allegations of abuse at Lourdes Home years back and, when the allegations were confirmed, apologising and asking forgiveness.

The commission is also commended for thoroughly investigating the allegations until the whole truth came out. It was not an easy task as the first commission set up by Bishop Nikol Cauchi had concluded that the claims were unfounded.

Although it is sad and unfortunate for the few who were abused, the fact that Bishop Grech faced the problem, found out the truth and took action so that such abuses will never again happen, shows that he is serious, humane and humble.

It is a breakthrough for a local Bishop to go that far and it certainly merited front page news.

Such an attitude and approach to such a delicate issue will enhance the Bishop's standing in his pastoral work and enrich the Church in spreading the Gospel and the truth.

Until a few years ago, such abusive happenings used to be hushed up and if someone dared to whisper something about them, he would be hurriedly ridiculed if not warned to shut up with threats.

But in this day and age, it is healthy to seek the truth - even if belatedly - and repair the damage done as well as one can.

One last important point: Like Mgr Grech said, one should not dismiss the sterling work carried out with great love and dedication by a great number of the Dominican Sisters at the Lourdes Home in Gozo.