Catholic Action Movement recently celebrated Bishop Nicholas Cauchi’s 80th birthday at its headquarters in Victoria.

Various members took part in the two-hour programme, explaining their experience in their respective section and referring to Mgr Cauchi’s strong involvement. Two poems were also read out by poets Joe M Attard and John Cremona.

President Manuel Saliba handed a cheque to Bishop Mario Grech as the movement’s first contribution to the foundation just launched by the diocese, in honour of Mgr Cauchi, which aims at promoting dialogue between faith and culture. He later also presented Bishop Cauchi with an ornate silver frame in which to put a photo of the occasion.

At the end of Mass concelebrated by the two bishops and eight other ecclesiastical assistants, a young member, Marika Formosa (7 years) of Sta. Lucija, Gozo, read out a “spiritual bouquet” on behalf of the whole movement – to the enthusiastic acclaim of the packed hall.

During his homily, Mgr Cauchi emphasised the need to love the Church and to participate in its mission.

Photo by Charles Spiteri shows Marika Formosa of Santa Lucija, Gozo, presenting a spiritual bouquet to Bishop Nicholas G. Cauchi while Gozo Bishop Mario Grech looks on.