Throughout the last few months we have witnessed the nomination of new parish priests in different localities and the assignment of seasoned parish priests to a different parish. Unfortunately Balzan parish did not benefit from this healthy exercise. The parish priest of Balzan, with all his good qualities, has been in office for 15 years. Considering the rapid changes Maltese society has undergone, this is more than enough for one to serve in the same parish. It is not fair for a parish community to be deprived of a different style of management and leadership which would probably appeal more to different sections of the community. Within this context, efforts are being made to portray Balzan parish as a model of how a parish should be run. The article in the October issue of the monthly Flimkien is a case in point.

The parishioners, who have first-hand experience of Balzan parish life because they live and toil there, have a different story to tell. It is common knowledge that this parish needs a more pastorally dynamic and creative, preferably younger, parish priest whose presence, especially in the parish church, will be more real and tangible. It is also the wish of many parish operators that the new parish priest be more receptive to the ideas of all parishioners and be more available to their needs, especially by visiting them regularly throughout their meetings in their respective centres.

I am sure the Curia is aware that at present the prevalent feeling among many Balzan parishioners is one of disappointment due to the fact that the expected change in leadership did not come about. We do earnestly hope that the legitimate wishes and aspirations of the Balzan community will be met by our Archbishop or Apostolic Administrator in the not too distant future.