The Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech, celebrates his 50th birthday today. He was born in Qala.

Mgr Grech, who was ordained by the Bishop of Gozo whom he succeeded, Mgr Nikol Cauchi, followed studies in Rome at the Lateran University and the St Thomas Aquinas University. In Rome he also worked in Church tribunals and in the Sacra Romana Rota.

In Malta, Mgr Grech became involved in the beatification causes of Madre Margerita Debrincat, foundress of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters, and of Mgr Guzeppi de Piro, founder of the Missionary Society of St Paul. He also had a considerable role in setting up the Church’s RTK radio station.

Mgr Grech was installed as the eighth Bishop of Gozo on 22 January last year.