Gozo bishop Mario Grech urged all Christians, consecrated or lay, to provide testimony through their life at a gathering at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Victoria for the Gozo diocese clergy and secular staff.

He said it was necessary for them to become more creative in their dialogue with society, with the world of work, with culture and with politics, so that the message of Christ would be delivered more effectively.

In his address, Mgr Grech referred to the phenomenon whereby the lifestyle, mentality and attitude of many was leading to a society where Christian faith was no longer popular and the number of believers was dwindling fast.

He said that for many, religious practice is little more than a matter of convenience rather than conviction. Embracing Christian values was no longer the norm but the exception.The Church was no longer regarded as the font of truth as there were many other agencies propagating their own ethics and morals.

Mgr Grech concluded by wishing all those present as well as those absent due to illness, a new year full of labour in the vineyard of the Lord.