Former President Ugo Mifsud Bonnici speaks at the launch of the memoirs of Archbishop Emeritus Ġużeppi Mercieca yesterday morning. Photo: Alan CarvilleA “cheeky” pupil from Cospicua once asked Archbishop Emeritus Ġużeppi Mercieca if he’d ever had a girlfriend.
“He told her he did, but it was before he entered the seminary,” President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici told an amused audience yesterday.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici recounted the anecdote during the launch of Mgr Mercieca’s memoirs, written by Charles Buttigieg, a former Curia public relations officer.
This event clearly revealed the sincerity of Mgr Mercieca, Dr Mifsud Bonnici said, who managed to communicate with people on every level “while acting as a father figure”.
Mgr Philip Calleja, lawyer Joe Brincat and Mr Buttigieg – who all spoke yesterday – heaped praise on Mgr Mercieca who led the Maltese Church for 30 years.
The memoirs would lead to a better understanding of the circumstances and reasons behind the decisions taken in “hugely trying times” in the relations between the Church and State, Mr Buttigieg said.
“With the help of his great faith in God and several personal sacrifices he managed to reach reasonable, but strong solutions, for the good of everyone.”
The memoirs also provide an insight into the often difficult relations between Mgr Mercieca and former prime minister Dom Mintoff.
“But more importantly, they also show the bridge that was built between them, “bringing calm, serenity and justice,” Mr Buttigieg said.
Malta’s bishops, high ranking members of the clergy and family members were present yesterday morning at the event, held at Palazzo De Piro.
Mgr Mercieca was present but did not speak at the event as doctors have advised him to rest. The book was released to mark the 40 years of his Episcopal ordination, which will be celebrated tomorrow with Mass at Mdina Cathedral at 6pm.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Dar Tal-Kleru, the refuge for elderly priests.
• Brothers in Christ, the memoirs of Ġużeppi Mercieca, is published by Klabb Kotba Maltin. Priced at €35, the 400-page book can be ordered by e-mailing admin@seabooks.com.