The Silent City was brought to life yesterday, the eve of the episcopal ordination of the new Archbishop of the Maltese archdiocese, Mgr Paul Cremona.

Christian tradition holds that on the eve of holy feasts or solemn celebrations, a prayer vigil should be held for the faithful.

Hundreds of faithful braved the chilly weather yesterday evening to participate in Mgr Cremona’s vigil held at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, the official seat of the Archbishop.

Seating was provided both inside and outside the cathedral. A tent was set up specifically in the square opposite the cathedral and people could follow the vigil on screens that were set up in various places along the sides of the tent.

As people packed the cathedral, a few hundred people were lucky enough to find a seat beneath the tent, while others filled the gaps along the square, which was purposely lit up and decorated with religious banners for the occasion.

Several times in the run-up to his episcopal ordination Mgr Cremona expressed the wish that he wants to be “close to the people”. Following his meetings with children and young people last weekend, Mgr Cremona again made it a point to meet people during the two hours before the beginning of the prayer vigil and when it actually ended.

On his way from Sliema to Mdina, Mgr Cremona made a number of stops and met residents in different localities.

A sizeable crowd gathered in front of the Jesus of Nazareth church in Sliema, where Mgr Cremona emerged from at 4.30pm.

People of different ages welcomed the new Archbishop with applause and sang “Happy Birthday”, since he turned 61 yesterday.

Standing in an open-top car and escorted by traffic police, Mgr Cremona was welcomed with cheers, flags, balloons, banners and even fireworks. Some also gave him presents.

He met residents and other people who chose to gather at the previously-announced stops in Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex, Guardamangia, Hamrun, Santa Venera, Fleur-de-Lys, Attard and Rabat.

Mdina mayor Peter J. Dei Conti Sant Manduca welcomed Mgr Cremona at Mdina Gate prior to the prayer vigil that started at 6.30pm.

As he appeared through the main door of the cathedral, the new Archbishop was welcomed by incessant applause, as he blessed the faithful and greeted them with his charismatic smile.

The vigil featured Bible readings, meditation, singing and prayers, following which Archbishop Mgr Joseph Mercieca blessed the insignae – the mitre, pastoral staff and ring.

Mgr Cremona also took an oath of faith and swore fidelity to the Church in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Felix Del Blanco Prieto.

The congregation reflected on the selection of St Peter as the leader of the Church; the new Archbishop will be the leader of the local Church and will work in communion with the Pope.

The vigil continued with reflections on the episcopal insignae. 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 Archbishop 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 Archbishop 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 the faithful in the diocese. The crosier was donated by the seminary on behalf of all the priests working in Malta.

The vigil was brought to an end with prayers to the Blessed Sacrament and Mgr Cremona addressed the congregation thereafter.

The new Archbishop humbly asked the faithful to continue praying for him and to strengthen him in the run-up to his episcopal ordination this evening.

He thanked those present and those who followed the vigil by means of the media, for praying with him and asked them to be close to his spirit in the hours preceding his consecration as Malta’s new Archbishop.

Mgr Cremona said he was filled with awe at God’s grace and infinite love. He called for continuous prayer and appealed to those who do not usually pray together to do so, particularly on this night, so that the Holy Spirit will fall on each and every Catholic in Malta, in a way that may help the new Archbishop to deliver God’s will.