Archbishop-elect Mgr Paul Cremona is a disarming person – full of life yet retaining the sense of humility that makes him an excellent communicator. Gerald Fenech spoke to him on the

challenges that the Catholic Church is facing today within the context of a continually more secular society, the possibility of change and the further implementation of the much-vaunted synod

As I walked into Fr Cremona’s office, I heard him say: “Nehilsu din l-ewwel” (“Let’s get this over with”), but as soon as he saw me, he insisted that it was not me that he wanted to get over but the interview. With his earnestness, his soft yet firm voice and his unassuming humility, he need not have bothered. I was taken by Fr Cremona’s personality from the start.

Digging into my first standard question, Fr Cremona said that although everybody knows he is the new archbishop, he is still not technically the full shilling – not quite, anyway.

“I still haven’t started in my new position yet, because from the moment I was appointed, Archbishop Mercieca became Archbishop Emeritus, until my ordination. Currently he remains the Apostolic Administrator of the island and all church matters fall under his remit. However, this is an important period for me, as since our appointment comes at short notice, I have not had time to prepare – so I am making the most of this period of reflection to prepare myself for the task that lies ahead.”

I couldn’t resist raising the point that interest in the Catholic Church has declined somewhat of late, and with Fr Cremona’s motto: “Preparing the Path for the Lord” in mind, I asked how was he expecting to bring about such a revival?

“The fact that God loves everyone is the principal supposition on which we start our work. The Church is not there for itself but for others. The Church should provide that something that draws people close to it. I remember when I was in Sudan some years ago working in a tuberculosis hospital run by the Sisters of Mother Teresa and there was a man who lay on his deathbed. One of the sisters said that he should be converted to the Catholic Faith but the Mother Superior insisted that he should be asked if he wanted to be converted. Then she explained to me that their mission was to fill the hearts of these people with love, with the hope that some of them will eventually ask to be converted. Thus, the way of the Lord is prepared through the discovery of the Christ.”

A noble cause indeed, but how will the new archbishop go about his relationships with the clergy and the Church administration?

“One of the first experiences that I wish to try out is the creation of a small community, including myself and two or three other priests, living together. As I have lived all my life in a community, I wish to share this experience with others and through that, purify our existence, much in the same way that a married couple does. The second idea that came to my mind is a proposal I wish to make to everyone. There is something out there that is beautiful, as there is God out there who wishes to help us, and through this experience of faith, I sincerely believe that this will change lives. I’m also eager to begin working closely with all parish priests, motivating them so that, in turn, they will motivate the whole population. In a nutshell, that’s my pastoral plan.”

We move on to thornier issues such as the material onslaught on the Church’s message that has perhaps lost some of its relevance. Can the Church co-exist with today’s technological world and how can these new tools bring about a revival?

“The vision imparted by Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical letter, Deus Caritas Est sets out the parameters quite clearly. It says that the administration of the country is the responsibility of the state, but those who govern should have principles based on sound moral foundations. Thus the Church’s role is to propose its message loud and clear, firmly but fairly within the other voices. I also hope that the media relays the Church’s message in its totality and does not censure it. I have great respect for the media and really hope that it will be fair with the Church. Thank you.” (Fr Cremona smiled, almost supplicating this request).

We then turned to the very real social problems that are faced by a number of “difficult” parishes in today’s world, coupled with administrative problems that also create a certain sense of despondency among those parishioners who are far away from God. How will Fr Cremona be tackling these very pressing problems?

“I am still at the beginning of my tenure, but one of my ideas is to have what you could call a ‘roving ambassador’ who regularly visits parishes and their parish priests to observe at first hand what the problems in these places are. First of all, we have to motivate the Catholic community so that it will eventually start helping those who are far away from the Church. It’s in a way a sort of domino-like process, where everyone has his own link in this chain that leads to God. I sincerely hope that we will succeed.”

I then asked Fr Cremona about the much-vaunted synod, which has achieved a lot but which to many is still seen as being in a somewhat staid position. How does he plan to re-invigorate and restart the process?

“Firstly, I have to say that I participated in the synod as part of the General Assembly and I can confirm that this was indeed a beautiful moment. In one of my few contributions, I said that I hoped for a constant re-examination of the process. I am also grateful that in my time, I have experienced two of the greatest events in the history of the Church – the 2nd Vatican Council and the Diocesan Synod. We must understand that the synod is indeed a process that is constantly evolving and I must add that a lot of work has been done on various levels. I would also like to thank all those who have worked hard for the synod’s eventual implementation but, yes, I am totally committed to continuing the process.”

Another thorny question on which the Church is slightly divided is the involvement (or more of it) of lay people in its operations. What is Fr Cremona’s opinion on this all-important issue?

“I strongly believe in the involvement of lay people in the Church, as each person who is baptised has received a signal from Christ to spread the good word among everyone. My calling to the priesthood came due to the fact that I myself was also baptised. Again, I believe that the current lack of vocations is a blessing in disguise and we should seize the moment to involve all lay people as much as possible not only in the workings of the Church but also in their daily lives. The power of example at work and in other social places is extremely important and I really hope that the word will eventually be spread among all those who are prepared for it.”

Finally, as the festive season draws to a close, what words does Fr Cremona have for his flock and also those who are far away from the Church?

“I’ll quote Mother Teresa, who always insisted that charity begins at home and that we should find time to be with others instead of just giving something material, such as money, and getting it over with. Pope Benedict says that we should place ourselves in the midst of our offering, and on that note, I believe that this should be my message – to give ourselves wholeheartedly.”

Fr Cremona ended with a heartfelt “Thanks, Gerald”, a part of the interview that I will always treasure and never tire of hearing. Let us hope that the new archbishop will find ways and means of overcoming the considerable difficulties that lie ahead. With his positive attitude and inspiration, I am sure he has a good chance of achieving all the things for which he has been chosen.