The Honorary Consular Corps in Malta, headed by Dean John A. Gauci-Maistre KM, met with Archbishop Mgr Joseph Mercieca and Archbishop elect Mgr Paul Cremona at the Curia yesterday to exchange seasonal greetings.

Outgoing Archbishop Mercieca said he appreciated the visit and pointed out that this would be his last as Archbishop of Malta. He wished everyone well and asked that his message be transmitted to the respective governments.

Archbishop elect Mgr Paul Cremona associated himself with Archbishop Mercieca’s greetings and was also very keen to learn further about the functions and duties of the Consular Corps in Malta.

He praised the consuls for the hard work they carry out on a voluntary basis and suggested some very positive reflections on today’s reality.

In a short address Chev. Gauci-Maistre, on behalf of the 55 governments represented, thanked Archbishop Mercieca for his dedication and hard work over the years and wished him a long and happy retirement.

Chev. Gauci-Maistre also took the opportunity to congratulate Mgr Cremona on his appointment as Archbishop of Malta and to assure him that every effort would be made to further enhance the already excellent relations between the corps and the Church in Malta.