Gozitans’ farewell to a shepherd

Flags flew at half mast in Gozo yesterday after the former Bishop Nikol Cauchi passed away earlier in the day. Gozitans shared their fond memories of the “people’s ­shepherd” with Nikki Abela Mercieca.

Piju Borg

Mgr Cauchi had many nice mannerisms. For example, in a pontifical sermon of just 12 minutes he would include the whole subject. Today, youngsters and people like me appreciate that. He had a very nice character, loved to joke and was friendly. He didn’t rush to take decisions and used to avoid hurting anyone. In Rabat there are two stern band clubs, which used to worry him, but he took wise decisions and managed to calm them down. To me we lost a shepherd. Everybody loved him as he used to cheer people up. When speaking about his death he used to say: “Whenever it comes, it comes.”

Toni Gauci

The former bishop was a good man. He liked to joke and was a great scholar. He was very educated. He liked music and used to compliment us when we performed. I am sure he is in heaven.

Joe Mercieca

Many people I know used to go to his Mass as he used to deliver a good sermon. He was a nice man, a people’s person and he will surely be missed.

David Apap Aguis, Għarb mayor

I knew Mgr Cauchi well. Apart from being a bishop, I think he was a father figure to all of us and whenever we asked for advice he always spoke to us like a father. When I was still young, I was an altar boy, and I remember one time after the festa he had taken me next to the other priests and given me some of the stuff they were drinking. It was a nice moment in my life that I will definitely remember. Last Saturday I visited him with my father and we enjoyed speaking to him. The look of serenity on his face showed he was at peace and he had a good heart.

John Theuma, Fontana parish sacristan

I was young when he was parish priest here in Fontana. I remember him always joking, but then when he wanted to be taken seriously he was serious. In the time he was a parish priest here they had brought new bells and a set of silver chandeliers.

Joe Sixey

I know Mgr Cauchi as a parish priest in Fontana. He had spent considerable time there and used to go out of his way to arrange things. He brought peace to those around him, and he was a people’s person and used to take time to speak to everybody.

Carmel Cauchi, Għarb parish priest

I have been an archpriest of the Għarb community, where Mgr Cauchi lives, for only a month. It was a short period but even before he fell ill I had met him several times in his home and we spoke about the community. I will remember him as the person who ran the diocese with much wisdom, especially as an intellectual. I will remember when he accepted me in the seminary to become a priest, and eventually it was he who ordained me, first a deacon and then a priest. This is why my memories of him are always close to my heart; especially now I am a parish priest of his community.