The Church in Malta needs “creative” people who will lead the country through evangelisation, Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona said during the Christ the King Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral yesterday.
“I submitted my resignation because I felt I had got the point where I was too tired,” he told the congregation.
“The Church needs creative people and people who will lead the country through evangelisation.”
Mgr Cremona was given rapturous applause during the Mass, which he celebrated and which served as a “thank you” from the Church following his resignation on October 18.
The Mass was attended by the President, Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition as well as Cardinal Prospero Grech and Apostolic Administrator Bishop Charles Scicluna.
In his homily, Mgr Scicluna described the former archbishop as a “gift from God”.
Only God is witness to your countless acts of charity
He hoped the nation would continue to enjoy his smile and gracious heart for many years because in him was reflected the kingdom of Jesus – a kingdom not of power but one of service.
“Two years ago, during my episcopal ordination, you told me our dignity was derived from our flock. We are servants to our flock. You spoke from experience. For nearly eight years, you were the shepherd and spiritual leader of us all.
“It was a burden and you also had help from your collaborators.
“People love you because they respond to your love. Your heart strengthened the sick in body and soul. Your gaze and smile served as balm to many a wound. Only God is witness to your countless acts of charity.”
Mgr Scicluna thanked the politicians for cooperating with the Church in its work of charity and education. This was facilitated by the former archbishop’s personal benevolence and the sense of dialogue which he fostered.
“You taught us with gentleness of your love the meaning of worshiping Christ the Lord. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts,” he concluded to thunderous applause.
Mgr Cremona thanked Mgr Scicluna for his reflections, “not because I deserve all you said of me but because it was a way of conveying the Christian message”.
Hewent on to share a little story with the congregation. When he was made a superior, Mgr Cremona was only 27 years old.
“Someone told me: ‘I’m so sorry for you’.
“I asked him why and he replied that my heart would harden.
“I remembered his words every day of my life and ensured that I always kept the Lord at the centre of my heart.
“It’s a lovely thing for a country to be built on virtues passed on to us by Christ.
“We frequently talk about fostering an identity. Let us work towards ensuring that our identity is this: that we never forget that we are Christians and that we carry out what is in the Gospel.”