Mgr Nikol G. Cauchi, Bishop Emeritus of Gozo, was on Sunday decorated with the Grand Cross of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The investiture took place at the end of a Pontifical High Mass at St George’s basilica in Victoria.

The investiture was performed by Dr Alfred Caruana Galizia, Hospitalier of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Dr Caruana Galizia acted as delegate of the Prince and Grand Master of the Order, Fra Andrew Bertie.

Mgr John Dimech, principal chaplain of the Maltese association, said that the honour was being conferred on Mgr Cauchi in recognition of his sterling service to the diocese of Gozo and to the Maltese association of SMOM during his long episcopate.

Mgr Cauchi, who is also Dean emeritus of St George’s basilica, has been an honorary member of the SMOM since his ordination to the episcopate.

Archpriest Mgr Joseph Farrugia concelebrated with Mgr John Azzopardi and the Chapter of the basilica.

The special guests included the Maltese Ambassador to the Holy See, Chev. Tonio Ganado and the mayor of Victoria, Mr Robert Tabone.

The Laudate Pueri Choir of the basilica, which sings in the SMOM’s annual pilgrimage of the sick to Ta’ Pinu shrine sang during the impressive liturgy.

After the Mass, the archpriest conducted the members of the Order on a tour of the new Parish House for priests which will be inaugurated in the near future.