The approval by Archbishop Charles Scicluna for the present titular statue of Christ the King to be replaced by another one, as reported in a section of the press recently, came as a totally unexpected shock to me personally as well as to many other Paolites.

I am not saying this just because this statue was the brainchild of and actually paid for by my late uncle, Fr George Deguara, but mainly becauseit is factually untrue that “this statue was never accepted by the Paolites”. I remember my uncle insisting that the statue of Christ the King should be dressed in neither one of the two colours associated with the rival clubs.  Thus, how can the current statue pertaining to none and everyone be replaced by another one which was commissioned by a particular band club and its supporters?

If, with all due respect, the Archbishop really believes that this change in the titular statue will bring about unity within the Paola parish community I am sorry to say that, unfortunately, he is not fully aware of the circumstances in my beloved hometown.

I wonder if the Archbishop and the present parish priest have at least bothered to consult the previous parish priests who were always against such agreement. It is indeed ironic that the Curia and the Paola parish church decided to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing away of “Dun Ġorġ”, as he was affectionately known in Paola, in such a shocking manner.

I have no doubt that all true Paolites who still remember that he gave all his life and energy to the Paola parish community do not endorse such decision.