This country has been blessed with a new Auxiliary Bishop. Mgr Joseph Galea Curmi has a smile that reflects the joyful Christian commitment in bringing people to Jesus.

As Ambassador for Christ he has the qualities to transmit His presence. From the start he emphasised the value of the gift of life at all stages and unconditionally. With great humility he asked people to pray for him to carry out the mission entrusted to him as effectively as possible.

Quoting Pope Francis in an article on Mass attendance in The Sunday Times of Malta, dated April 18, he wrote: “Without Christ we are condemned to be dominated by the fatigue of everyday life, with its preoccupations and the fear of tomorrow. Meeting the Lord on Sunday gives us the strength to live today with trust and courage, and to move forward with hope. We do not go to Mass in order to give something to God but to receive what we truly need from Him.”

His vision is encompassed by the significant choice of the date of his episcopal ordination – August 4. This is the feast of St John Vianney – a holy and humble French priest known for his love for the Eucharist and for people, and known for his radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings.

August 4 was also the date of his dear mother Josette’s funeral, which was a memorable heavenly celebration of her life on earth. She was a great, altruistic and inspirational lady whose exemplary life together with her husband must have helped him acquire authentic sentiments and feelings that were meant to remain with him throughout life. That is why he could pledge to carry out his duties with “generosity, love and an open heart”.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna’s prayer for the new Auxiliary Bishop is undoubtedly already being heard, namely for Mgr Galea Curmi to be always a Bonus Altor – a kind father who nourishes his children with loving care.