GozoNews.Com

On Sunday, the Bishop Emeritus of Gozo, Mgr Nikol Cauchi, was invested by Dr Alfred Caruana Galizia, Hospitalier of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as Cappellano Conventuale Gran Croce of the Order of Malta.

Dr Caruana Galizia acted as delegate of the Prince and Grand Master of the Order, His Most Emininent Highness Fra Andrew Bertie, who officially resides in Rome.

Amongst the guests who attended were HE Chev Tonio Ganado, Maltese Ambassador to the Holy See, Members of the Council of the Maltese Association of the SMOM, Dames and Knights, Aspirants and Volunteers of the Order who have been attending the annual twice-yearly retreat at Dar Manresa, Victoria.

The honour was conferred on Mgr Cauchi in recognition of his sterling service to the Diocese of Gozo during his eposicopate. Mgr Cauchi has been a memebr of the SMOM since his ordination to the eposicopate.

High Mass was concelebrated by the Collegiate Chapter of St George’s Basilica of which Mgr Cauchi was not only the founder but also its Dean for almost thirty years. The Laudate Pueri Choir of the basilica was directed by Rev. George J. Frendo and participated in formal dress.

At the High Mass, the dames and knights wore their black robes, known as cocolla, bearing the eight pointed Cross of the Order whilst the aspirants and volunteers wore their traditional red armband with the same motif.

Dr Paul George Pisani was entrusted with the organization of the event willed by the Council of the Order. It took place in collaboration with Archpriest Mgr Joseph Farrugia, and the Collegiate Chapter of St George’s basilica. The principal chaplain of the Maltese Association, Mgr John Dimech, is an honorary member of the Chapter.