The Conference of Maltese Bishops has appointed Mgr Joseph Farrugia president of the Church in Malta and Europe Commission.

Victoria-born Mgr Farrugia was ordained priest in 1978 and has studied at the Pontifical Gregorian university, among others. He has lectured in theology at the major seminary in Gozo and in ecumenism at the University of Malta.

Apart from his presidency of the commission, Mgr Farrugia has also been entrusted by the Bishop of Gozo to carry the responsibility of culture in the Gozo diocese.

Between 1998 and 2007, that is until recently, Mgr Farrugia was archpriest at St George’s basilica. During this time he promoted culture in all its forms as a medium of evangelisation and renovated the St George’s Parish Centre, adding major annexes including a clergy house and a media centre that runs the popular Lehen il-Belt Victoria community radio. He has also projected an archaeological and fine arts museum.

Mgr Farrugia is the co-founder of the renowned Laudate Pueri Choir as well as of the Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria. He co-promoted the annual Victoria International Arts Festival which is the longest running annual arts festival in the Maltese Islands. Mgr Farrugia is a long-standing chaplain to the Victoria Scouts Group.