Archbishop Paul Cremona has visited the UK, where he called on Maltese patients receiving medical treatment in London and Surrey.

He also met Maltese members of the clergy in London and attended Malta Day celebrations.

He was accompanied by Maltese High Commissioner Joseph Zammit Tabona, and Hanan El Khatib, First Secretary and Consul at the Malta High Commission.

Mgr Cremona met the Maltese patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital and at the Puttinu Cares apartments in Sutton, where he received a warm welcome.

He also visited the Franciscan Fathers, the Ursuline Sisters in North London and the Franciscan Sisters in Victoria. The Franciscan Sisters, who offer accommodation and logistical assistance to most of the patients who need to go to London for medical treatment, hosted a dinner in honour of Mgr Cremona.

During the Malta Day events he met many first, second and third generation Maltese, their families and friends.

He also led a concelebrated Mass at Westminster Cathedral together with a good number of Maltese clergy. The Archbishop of Westminster was present in ‘chore’. Foreign Minister Tonio Borg represented the government.

At the end of Mass, High Commissioner Zammit Tabona, on behalf of the Maltese Community in the UK, presented a large portrait by renowned Maltese artist Philippa Bianchi and sponsored by APS Bank Ltd – as a token of appreciation for the pastoral work performed by the Archbishop.