The raison d’etre of the Church as instituted by Jesus Christ is to transmit the joy of the Gospel which is for all people while caring for our neighbour in need.

Fr Joe Borg, in a tribute to Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona, wrote that Cremona brought the Church closer to the people more than anyone else before him.

Very truly he brought Jesus and this joy of the Gospel to life. He planted more seeds and the harvest will be ongoing over the coming years in the process of “preparing the way for the Lord”.

He enhanced the role of specially called laymen within the Church by introducing permanent deaconship.

Notwithstanding extremely difficult situations including those with the involvement of very few not-so-exemplary priests, he put into perspective the actual vocation of priests and to what extent it could be fruitful.

A case in point is how Fr Claude Portelli, parish priest of St Julian’s – who had become part of the extended family of Nirvana – helped her rediscover God. A year later her father, Joseph Azzopardi – more than ever convinced of his faith despite the fact that he terribly misses her presence – wrote: “I know for sure that you are in a better place... Till we meet again.”

Today he evangelises by witnessing and living this faith.

This circumstance reflects innumerable others – even evolving in silence in different forms – resulting from precious dedication of priests.

While being blessed with wisdom and numerous qualities, this aspect is Cremona’s forte; he accentuates the selflessness characterising the role of parents when upbringing children while putting aside his selflessness in caring for the people. As if he does not have any other responsibilities at all!

All this explains why Mgr Charles Scicluna referred to him as Il Vescovo buono. Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona pledged to be at the service of his successor. The new episcopate will be enriched by the example and generous helping hand of this great man of God.