Ta’ Qali was livelier than it usually is on a typical Sunday morning yesterday, as more than 4,000 children flocked to the newly-set-up structure to give Archbishop-elect Paul Cremona the warmest of welcomes.

The Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC) was a carpet of red, white and yellow as numerous children waved scarves with Mgr Cremona’s chosen motto printed on – Hejju t-Triq ghall-Mulej (Prepare the way for the Lord).

Upon his arrival in one of the scouts’ open Land Rovers, Mgr Cremona was clearly touched as the children chanted “Viva l-Arcisqof!”

A number of parishes, schools, children’s homes and other groups chose to organise transport for children who wanted to go to

Ta’ Qali by mini-van or coach. In this way, as many children as possible were given the opportunity to participate in this unique activity with Mgr Cremona, who will be ordained as the Maltese Church’s new Archbishop on Friday.

Stanley Spiteri, coordinator of yesterday morning’s event, told this newspaper it was calculated that 4,000 children were seated, but the overwhelming outcome called for many others to find a place on the carpeted area beneath the majestic structure, so there were actually “many more than 4,000”.

In fact, the crowd that turned up for the event did contribute to some confusion at times, but the programme of events, which was jam-packed with musical numbers, dances and even a mime, moved on smoothly, albeit it took longer than initially planned.

The Scouts’ First Hamrun Pipe Band kicked off the event by leading the way for the Land Rover that carried the Archbishop-elect and four lucky children chosen from different parishes.

Beaming widely and donning his white Dominican habit, Mgr Cremona waved to the children who shrieked with delight on this beautiful occasion for them – two hours with Malta’s new spiritual leader.

Some children carried banners to the like of “Mieghek inhejju t-triq ghall-Mulej” (we will join you to prepare the way for the Lord) and “Malta tifrah bik” (Malta welcomes you), while others gave Mgr Cremona little gifts.

Together they sang the hymn of the Maltese children (L-Innu tat-tfal Maltin) penned by David Azzopardi, before two of those present, Sean and Odette, cited an opening speech to welcome the new Archbishop.

They expressed happiness and said that like Jesus, they would like him to teach them and guide them in their spiritual lives.

While thanking Mgr Joseph Mercieca for having taught them so much, they expressed the wish that Mgr Cremona pursues his predecessor’s steps and that he remembers them, being Jesus’ young followers, in his work.

Two refugee children presented the new Archbishop with a plant, which they told him “will grow beautifully if you take good care of it”.

The different activities, many of which were organised by the children themselves, carried specific messages of faith and hope.

A group of girls danced to the song Deliver Me by Sarah Brightman, while a live band from the Society for Christian Doctrine, with its liveliness and animation transmitted a message of energy and vitality.

Fr Karm Debattista also performed a song, Kun taghhom ir-Raj (Be their shepherd), which he wrote specifically to mark the new Archbishop’s ordination.

At one point the children sang “Happy Birthday Pawlu”, since Mgr Cremona turns 61 on Thursday, the eve of his episcopal ordination.

A group of footballers from the Valletta FC nursery asked the new Archbishop to show off his football skills, which he did willingly as a big fan of the City’s football team.

Two children, Daniel and Maria Vella, were journalists for a day as they interviewed Mgr Cremona.

Replying to their questions, he said being Archbishop will not be an easy job, but one of the things he is looking forward to is being with everyone, the elderly, children, married people, people with disabilities – “I will be very close to everyone”.

Asked for his opinion on parents who might not be too keen on attending Mass and praying, Mgr Cremona suggested that children themselves should express the wish to pray with their parents before going to sleep.

He concluded the interview by saying that children are meant to have a good time, but there are some who suffer and he said that prayer should be the key to help overcome difficulties encountered on a daily basis.

“Keep Jesus close to you, although you are still young; and thank you for welcoming me,” said Mgr Cremona, before enjoying one of his favourite songs In the Jungle, performed by a children’s neo-catechism community choir and a live band.

When asked why he likes this particular song, he said that it was probably because of the animals mentioned in the lyrics of the song.

Coincidentally, he was also given a toy sheep on behalf of all the children “because you’re the shepherd”, said the boy who gave him the gift.

The event ended with the new archbishop giving his blessing. The First Hamrun Pipe Band gave a beautiful display and the live band and choir played on to add to the lively atmosphere before people started moving out of the MFCC to enjoy the beautiful day outdoors.