On March 8, 1952, a young Gozitan deacon was ordained priest by Bishop Joseph Pace. The ordination ceremony did not take place, as is normally done, in the Cathedral, but in a small church not much bigger than a chapel dedicated to St James in Victoria.
Mgr Joseph Mercieca seems determined to continue using his many talents – talents which were not always appreciated enough- Laurence Mizzi
Joseph Mercieca came from a very modest family. His father ran a wine shop in Rabat which was frequented by labourers and manual workers.
Growing up, he used to spend much of his time lending a hand at his father’s shop and at the same time doing his homework. His father used to insist that customers should always be treated cordially. It was their right, he insisted.
His father also insisted that on no account should Joseph take sides in arguments about the local thorny question, so typical of our islands, of parochialism. Indeed his parents came from ‘rival’ backgrounds, but both feasts, that of Santa Marija and of St George, were celebrated equally at home. Joseph and his brothers were taught to abhor intolerance and fanaticism.
When still a seminarian he proceeded to Rome to further his studies at the Gregorian and Lateran universities where he graduated in theology and canon law.
In fact, Joseph was still studying in Rome when he returned to Gozo to be ordained. He then went back to Rome to continue his studies, and after graduating, began to teach history, English, philosophy, dogmatic theology and Canon Law at the Victoria Seminary.
In 1969 he was informed that Pope Paul VI had appointed him a judge of the Sacred Roman Rota, at the time the only Maltese to be appointed to such a high and important position. Five years later, while still in Rome, he was asked whether he would accept the nomination of auxiliary bishop to Mgr Michael Gonzi.
He was consecrated bishop in St John’s Co-Cathedral in September 1974 and succeeded Archbishop Michael Gonzi two years later. In 1992 he was appointed Consultor of the Sacred Romana Rota and later a judge of the Segreteria Apostolica. On reaching the age of 75, Mgr Mercieca offered his resignation as Archbishop and was succeeded by Mgr Paul Cremona in January 2007.
During his 30 years in the role, many important developments took place in the local Church. These included the setting up of the parish and diocesan pastoral councils, the publication for the first time of the Church’s financial report, the creation of the Media Centre, the opening of the Church’s radio station, RTK, and last but not least, the signing of the agreement between Church and state on Church properties and schools, which in the early 1980s had been threatened with closure.
Few if any at all will argue about Mgr Mercieca’s modesty, intelligence, prudence and wisdom. Indeed his prudence was seen by more than a handful as a sign of weakness.
However, this is as incorrect as it is unfair. Mgr Mercieca never held back from taking decisions or speaking about issues, no matter how controversial, when he was convinced it was his duty to do so.
Indeed, there were times in 1982 when the Archbishop had to face hostile crowds when he visited two parishes after he had condemned acts of violence.
In 1993 he did not mince his words when, together with then Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi, he stated that local councils should not be politicised. It was a statement many disagreed with at the time but now with hindsight people will probably admit it was sound advice.
Mgr Mercieca has always insisted that one should not take hasty decisions. He is known for the way he consulted and asked for advice when faced with a problem.
However, after discussing and reflecting (and praying) he would finally take a decision. “What has to be said must be said because otherwise one would be making compromises with one’s conscience”, and in his case, “betraying my mission as leader of the flock”.
The Archbishop gives one the impression that he is reserved and prefers to avoid meeting people. The opposite is the case. During his term he visited patients regularly in hospitals and homes for the elderly. The door of his residence was and still is open to anyone who feels the need to go and ask for his help or advice.
Though 83, Mgr Mercieca still visits parishes to carry out pastoral work, such as hearing confessions. He also attends meetings of the Church Marriage Tribunal in Valletta to offer his invaluable advice on matters in which he excels and which are very close to his heart.
Even if not as active as before Mgr Mercieca seems determined to continue using his many talents – talents which were not always appreciated enough during his many years as head of the Church in Malta.