The last event preceding the ordination of Mgr Paul Cremona OP as Malta’s new Archbishop will take place tomorrow, incidentally on his 61st birthday. It will be a prayer vigil will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina.

During the prayer meeting, outgoing Archbishop Mgr Joseph Mercieca will bless the mitre, pastoral staff and ring which will be used during Mgr Cremona’s ordination on the following day. Archbishop-elect Mgr Cremona will also take an oath of faith and swear fidelity to the Church in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Felix Del Blanco Prieto.

Christian tradition holds that on the eve of holy feasts or solemn celebration, a prayer vigil should be held for the faithful. The prayer meeting should feature Bible readings, meditation, singing and prayers.

The vigil of Mgr Cremona’s ordination will be built along these age old traditions. The congregation will reflect on the selection of St Peter as the leader of the Church, as the new archbishop will be the leader of the local Church and is expected to work in communion with the Pope.

Afterwards, reflections on the Episcopal insignae will be made. The ring, which was donated by the Dominican province, Mgr Cremona’s own religious order on behalf of all religious orders, represents the seal of faith and the unity between the bishop and his church. The mitre was donated by Mgr Cremona’s last parish, the Jesus the Nazarene parish of Sliema, on behalf of all the parishes in Malta. This symbolises the holiness with which the bishop should be endowed in order to bless the people trusted in his care.

The crosier, or pastoral staff, symbolises the bishop’s role as shepherd of faithful in the diocese. The crosier was donated by the seminary of Malta in representation of all priests.

Mgr Mercieca will bless the insignae following the readings, meditations, prayers and songs. The vigil will be brought to an end with prayers to the Blessed Sacrament. After the blessing, Mgr Cremona will address the congregation.