Gozo Bishop Mario Grech yesterday celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination, which had taken place in the Gozo Cathedral by then Bishop Nikol Cauchi.
He was ordained together with Mgr Alfred Xuereb, who is now assistant secretary to Pope Benedict XVI.
Both have been invited by the Pope to co-celebrate a thanksgiving Mass in his private chapel and to dine with him.
Following his ordination, Mgr Grech went on to obtain a doctorate in Canon Law before returning to Gozo. He was parish priest of Kerċem before being appointed bishop.
The Gozo diocese is celebrating the bishop's 25th anniversary at the Gozo Cathedral on June 26.