Pope Benedict has conveyed his greetings to Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his ordination.

In a letter read this evening by Nuncio Nuncio Filippo Colnago during a thanksgiving Mass as the Mdina Cathedral, Pope Benedict said:

"On the happy occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of the most reverend Joseph Mercieca, Archbishop Emeritus of Malta, I give thanks to God for the many graces bestowed on the Church through the Archbishop's pastoral charity and dedicated ministry.

"I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to sustain Archbishop Mercieca with strong faith and generous love.

"Entrusting His Grace to the intercession of Saint Gorg Preca and the tender care of Mary, Mother of the Church, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing."

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