The man who knew so much

A book containing all the articles written by the late bishop in The Times and The Sunday Times between 2002 and 2010 has been published.

The book is published by the Bishop Nikol Cauchi Foundation together with the Gozo diocese. It was Mgr Cauchi’s wish that these articles, mainly on socio-religious subjects, be published in a book.

This 200-page, A4-size book, which has a limited print run and contains over 60 articles, also features a large number of colour and black and white photographs of Mgr Cauchi at various stages of his life since it is also intended to be a commemorative publication to celebrate his life.

In the foreword, Gozo bishop Mario Grech notes how Mgr Cauchi continued to believe in man notwithstanding that he was, from the start of his episcopate, wronged by man.

He points out how “in his first pastoral letter in 1974, he (Mgr Cauchi) stated that in the five years prior to becoming diocesan bishop (…) he had already ‘tasted the bitter dregs of life’ and ‘suffered several slaps in the face’.”

Mgr Cauchi believed man could find everything he needed in Christ.

In the speech he delivered on the feast of Christ the King, he appealed for “Christians... to carry the light of Christ in society and to ensure that all activities of man are imbued by his spirit, so that as far as it is possible, the ideals of justice, love and peace as proclaimed in the Gosple are achieved.”

Mgr Grech also underlines Mgr Cauchi’s commitment to help in the rehabilitation of man. Inspired by the social teachings of the Church, he endeavoured to throw light on social issues and problems that concerned man.

The book’s editor, Steve Mallia, says compiling the book reminded him what a valuable collection Mgr Cauchi amassed for all to digest.

Mallia notes how the late bishop “did not just possess that rare gift for soaking up and retaining knowledge; he also gained great pleasure from sharing it with others and was capable of doing so in an oral and written style that suited everybody.”

The book was launched on March 3, the day after what would have been Mgr Cauchi’s 82nd birthday. The diocese celebrated Mass at the Good Shepherd Pastoral Centre in his memory. The bishop passed away on November 15, 2010.

All proceeds from the book will go towards the Bishop Nikol Cauchi Foundation, which aims to promote dialogue through socio-cultural and religious activities.