The news that Mgr Joseph Grech, Bishop of Sandhurst, Australia, had passed away, travelled around the globe in the twinkling of an eye, leaving so many people shocked and stunned.
Even as I write, my heart grieves. The loss of Bishop Joe, as he was affectionately known by all, is not only the loss of a bishop but mainly that of a great friend to all.
I had several opportunities to work closely with him in many international events and I can vouch that he was a true friend of everyone.
The “tubby little guy from Malta”, as he was described by Archbishop Mark Coleridge during his homily at the requiem Mass, could be seen all around the place, talking, laughing, joking, counselling, praying with people, hugging people and posing for photos.
His perpetual smile radiated joy and serenity. With him around, I really felt proud to be Maltese.
Bishop Joe served the Church and the worldwide Charismatic Renewal with love, joy and great enthusiasm. He was a mighty instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit in spreading the Good News around the world and especially in broadening the knowledge and experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit throughout the Catholic Church.
A dear American friend said Malta has lost a son, Australia lost a father, the Church lost a shepherd, the Charismatic Renewal lost a patron and an ally, we all have lost a friend.
We thank the Lord for such wonderful friends, for the opportunity He gave us to have him near to us. We thank Him for such a wonderful gift to the worldwide renewal and the whole Church.
I end by quoting from Archbishop Coleridge’s homily: “A turning point for Joe came early in his priestly life when he was touched by the Charismatic Renewal, and how right it is that the readings of this Mass have spoken of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“Joe’s ministry was in many ways the Holy Spirit’s work of art. It had about it a touch of Pentecost, the sense of a new beginning, the roots of which, however, reached deep into the heritage of Maltese faith.
“In earlier times, the Charismatic Renewal was regarded as something exotic, even a little suspect. Joe was exotic enough being Maltese, but to be Maltese and charismatic meant he was exotic to the power of two.
“Looking back now, I can see that Joe Grech’s career reflects the way in which the Charismatic Renewal has moved from the margin of Church life to the centre. Its influence is now found everywhere.”