Franciscan priest Joe Bonello, who was recently nominated auxiliary Bishop of Juticalpa, Honduras, last Sunday paid a visit to his home town Xagħra.

Mgr Bonello, a missionary in central America since 1989, first visited the Victory Band Club, where he was welcomed by club president Eucharist Sultana. The band, accompanied by theNativitas choir, played thePontifical hymn.

At the club, he signed the visitors’ book and took a photo with the bandsmen.

Mgr Bonello was then accompanied by the band along 8thSeptember Avenue.

On arriving at Xagħra basilica, Mgr Bonello was welcomed by Xagħra mayor Joe Cordina and led to the church where he concelebrated Mass with Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, archpriest Carmelo Refalo, the Chapter and clergy of the parish. The Schola Cantorum Jubilate took part.

A lunch in honour of Mgr Bonello was held at Villa Fiorita in Marsalforn. In the evening, Mgr Bonello presided over the recital of the rosary at Ta’ Pinu sanctuary.

On March 5, Mgr Bonello concelebrated Mass at the Gozo Cathedral, Victoria. He was assisted by the Apostolic Nuncio Tommaso Caputo, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and the Cathedral Chapter and clergy. The Chorus Ecclesiae Cathedralis took part.

Last Monday, Mgr Bonello concelebrated Mass at St Anthony of Padua church, Għajnsielem.

Mgr Bonello also paid visits to various entities, including the Gozo Ministry, where he met Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and MPs Justyne Caruana, Anton Refalo and Frederick Azzopardi, the Curia, the Good Shepherd pastoral centre at Taċ-Ċawla, Xagħra primary school and the Gozo General Hospital.