Archbishop's first trip to Australia ends today

Archbishop Paul Cremona's visit to Australia ends today when he is expected to visit Sydney's Pine Grove cemetery where many Maltese migrants have been laid to rest.

Together with Sydney's Cardinal George Pell, Mgr. Cremona will be meeting priests, religious people and members of the Christian Doctrine Society - Museum - who work in New South Wales, the Curia said.

The Archbishop yesterday celebrated his last Mass in St Mary's Cathedral in the centre of Sydney. Mass was attended by hundreds of Maltese, including many young people. During the homily, Mgr. Cremona pointed out that various Maltese who lived in Australia had a dual citizenship and he urged them to hold on to their heavenly citizenship.

After Mass, he was introduced to Sophie Delizio, a little girl of Maltese decent, on whom the blessed Mary McKillop is said to have performed a miracle. (In 2003, Ms Delizio was left in a critical condition after a careless driver ran over her with his car and, three years later, she was the victim of another accident when she was hit by a car while crossing the road with her caretaker.)

He also met members of the community during a social event organised after Mass.

On Saturday, the Archbishop met with the Community Council of NSW in Marsden Park and, in the evening, attended a meeting at the La Valette Club in Blacktown.

Mgr Cremona set off to Melbourne on July 5 with a group of 45 Maltese young men and women. They left for Sydney on July 13 to attend the World Youth Day celebrations presided over by Pope Benedict XVI.

The Archbishop is expected to arrive in Malta on Wednesday afternoon.