A SHEPHERD FOR THE PEOPLE

By Charmaine Attard
(Photos by CVC Communications)

Leading a very busy life, it was very kind and typical of our new Bishop, His Excellency Mons Mario Grech to devote some time to meet the Gozo Plus team and share with us his views about issues concerning our small island, which is small in size, but large at heart.

Outlining his road to priesthood, he revealed that if it wasn’t for two specific experiences during his youth, he wouldn’t have been ordained a priest twenty-two years ago, and Gozo might well have been deprived of having such a charming priest as its Bishop today! “The last experience happened when I was about to start studying Law. One particular day I was at my grandfather’s shop, when a priest came in and asked me what I was up to at that time. When I explained that I was going to study Law he said, ‘Oh, I seem to recall that at one time you were considering choosing another direction.’ That remark really put me back on track again!”

Q  Do you feel that the numerous roles you had in Gozo before your elevation to Bishop give you a better understanding of the Gozitan way of life?

A After I was ordained a priest I was involved in a very important sector, working at a tribunal handling cases of failed marriages, both in Gozo and Malta. This gave me first-hand experience of reality and of suffering people and families seeking help. Behind an annulment not only one family suffers but also other families, partners, children and extended families. Moreover, I still carry the experience I had for a year as parish priest of Kerċem as I learnt a lot from this village’s entire community. When I came to leave, I told them – Il Primo amore, non moure mai. Today I thank God for providing me with all the past experiences, so today I can love and serve the Gozitan community even better.

Q Were there any issues left unnoticed by your predecessors and which you are making it a point to take the necessary actions to tackle?

A Life is dynamic. There are things which weren’t present yesterday but give us satisfaction today, and there are others which are a pain today but weren’t present yesterday. I inherited a wonderful patrimony from my predecessor Mons Nikol Cauchi and I want to continue working on what I received. However, if there are new realities that we have to face, then we have to seek the best solution. Lately I divulged to the parish priests that I’m going to establish A Children's Forum in the Diocese of Gozo, as I believe that it will be wonderful to consult with children’s representatives. Children have their rights, visions and needs, and therefore the Church should also hear their voice.

Q What do you think are the problems for the Gozitan community as a whole? Do you think the Church has a role to play in solving them?

A There are certain issues that need to be addressed in our small island, including our identity and insularity. We need more investment to provide a living and more job opportunities for Gozitans, especially for the new generation. Another issue that should be addressed concerns the environment and our surroundings. In addition, I think that tourism is an important pillar to our small island, as it is actually our primary industry. I believe that religious tourism can be developed further and with the collaboration of the pastoral operators, we can promote Gozo as a spiritual hub to those tourists, who seek destinations offering spiritual rest.

Q We frequently hear about lusty private parties organised in farmhouses and apartments in Gozo. What should be done to decrease this problem?

A The Church should be a voice which denounces bad deeds – where there are possibilities that people are exploited, and where not only moral but also physical damage is taking place. I am afraid that our society will not denounce bad deeds due to other interests. Moreover, the Church should be the voice that encourages good deeds and promotes entertaining activities that enhance people.

Q  Do you think that Gozo has a culture of omertà?

A Yes it does. For instance, the drug problem will just increase because police do not find any cooperation from citizens because of this characteristic. There are several issues that damage individuals and society in general which are affected by omertà. There should be more education, collective encouragement, and also appreciation of those who have the courage to speak up when they notice appalling activities. This characteristic is not only present in Gozo, but in every small society. However if we all strive for the common good, I think we will manage to win over the blessed or cursed omertà.

Q What can be done to lessen, or better, to eradicate cases of sexual abuse?

A Wherever sexual abuse takes place, by whomever and against whomever it is carried out, it is definitely something evil. When it occurs against children it is more serious. We have to fight this problem as it is never an acceptable behaviour let alone tolerable, especially against minors as they are vulnerable, and in the majority of cases do not have any voice to defend their dignity. Therefore adults must not only avoid falling for committing such bad deeds between themselves, but also not do these things to children. Adults should be the voice to denounce such thing. I feel that it is my duty to defend children and adolescents, and I appeal to those who know of any such harm against children or small adults in our island, to please speak out.

Q A phone call you receive one morning delivers to you the proposal of becoming the Archbishop of Malta. Will you consider it?

A When that time will come… we’ll see!! But I assure you that I feel that God’s people in Gozo love me and I love them, and I don’t wish to be parted from this family as it is a great experience. I feel part and parcel of the Gozitan Diocese – many priests are true collaborators and I wish that the experience I have started with them will continue.