Launch of book featuring Bishop Cauchi’s articles

A commemorative book comprising all the articles written in The Times and The Sunday Times by the late Bishop Nikol Cauchi entitled Bishop Cauchi – Articles andPictures, was launched on Thursday at the Curia in Victoria.

The soirée was introduced by Vicar General of Gozo Mgr Giovanni Bosco Gauci, who said Mgr Cauchi was and still is an inspiration to all those who knew him during his life. He said that through this book they could also remember him through his writings.

Fr Jimmy Xerri, Mgr Cauchi’s private secretary for eight years, said the late bishop firmly believed in the resemblance of man and God and the importance of each and every individual.

There were certain issues “Nikol” did not pay great attention to because he did not deem them important. However, he used to act and react to what he strongly believed in “with an iron fist, a clear mind and an apostolic zest”.

A documentary by Alvin Scicluna was also shown, featuring excerpts of interviews carried out with the bishop which included some of his comments over the past 25 years.

Mgr Cauchi was also seen speaking about his childhood years in Għarb, the priesthood and hisepiscopate. The documentary ended with a message from the bishop to Gozitans – to forever embrace Christian values.

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and The Sunday Times editor Steve Mallia, who compiled the book, also addressed the guests.

One of Mgr Cauchi’s brothers, Canon Achilles, and his two sisters Teresina and Ġemma , cousins and other relatives were also present. His other brother, Maurice Cauchi, who lives in Australia, could not attend.

Among other guests were the late bishop’s private secretary for 19 years, Fr Renato Borg; Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono; Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said; former Speaker Anton Tabone; and Frederick Azzopardi, parliamentary assistant.

Bishop Cauchi – Articles and Pictures is published by the Bishop Nikol Cauchi Foundation, which aims to promote dialogue through socio-cultural and religiousactivities.

The publication also includes a number of photographs detailing the bishop’s life.

All proceeds from the book will go to the foundation. The book, at a special introductory price of €20, can be ordered from Fr Renato Borg at the Gozo Curia on tel. 2155 1211 or e-mail borgrenato@yahoo.com.