The church bells pealed a solemn note, cameras snapped, people clapped, and confetti flowed in the air as Mgr Paul Cremona was driven through the streets of Valletta in an open-topped, black Austin Princess.
The joy of the thousands gathered in Merchants and Republic streets was palpable and their problems were momentarily forgotten; smiles were available by the dozen.
The ceremony of Mgr Cremona's episcopal ordination started with 25 minutes of prayers and vespers at St Dominic's church, which was dressed in "its Sunday best" with polished silver and sparkling chandeliers.
The applause on emerging from the church was deafening and the car, accompanied by the King's Own Band Club, crawled through the thick crowd at a snail's pace.
Flowers were lobbed from balconies, perfuming the air and wrapping the front of the car with splashes of colour. People edged as close as they could to touch and kiss the hand of their new spiritual leader.
Just outside the market, Mgr Cremona was greeted by live music from the Neokatekumenali, praising the Lord with their songs and dancing in the streets. Two white doves were also released. A red carpet stretched 500 metres from the ruins of the Old Opera House to the President's Palace, diverting towards St John's Co-Cathedral.
Mgr Cremona had a warm smile for everyone, waving to all the young and old who gathered in the city to witness this historical moment.
One woman from Burmarrad had been waiting in Republic Street behind the barriers since 3 p.m., more than two hours before he was expected to pass through there.
People had come from all over Malta to express their support. Therese Attard, from St Julians, was won over by the new Archbishop's charisma.
"People have been yearning for this. It's nice to have him mingle among us, when in the past bishops have tended to be more aloof and detached. It reminds me of the time when Jesus would walk with the children. It think he'll unite the people," she said. Roderick Mamo, 24, from Cospicua, was in Valletta to witness this one-off occasion. He hoped the new Archbishop would understand the problems families were facing in today's world.
Marthese Debattista, 36, from Valletta, watched with happiness saying she expected nothing, yet everything from Mgr Cremona.
"I don't expect him to turn Church rules upside down, but I think his charm will entice back many young people who may be disillusioned with the Church. St Paul was shipwrecked in Malta to convert us, and Paul will lead Malta forward," she said.
Yvette Grech, 41, from Sliema was there to cheer her former parish priest and be part of this special moment.
"We need a lot of changes in ideas. I think Mgr Cremona will instil more values in a society that tends to be lacking."
Romeo Palmier, 62, from Valletta, a childhood friend of Mgr Cremona, said the people's support was well deserved and he hoped they would remain behind him throughout his spiritual journey.
Valentina Cauchi, a nine-year-old girl from Naxxar was thrilled to attend the ceremony. She was even happier at the fact that the Archbishop's consecration meant a day off school.