Amid speculation that two Gozitan archpriests were dismissed following clashes between revellers at last month’s Santa Marija feast, both monsignors preferred speaking about their new roles in the Gozo diocese when contacted by The Malta Independent yesterday.
Along with three other parish priests, Mgr Joe Vella Gauci, former archpriest of the St George’s Basilica in Victoria, and Mgr Joseph Farrugia, former archpriest of the Cathedral at the Citadel, were replaced on Monday night.
The new parish priests are: Fr Lino Vella (Fontana parish), Fr Nazju Borg (San Lawrenz parish) and Fr Gwann Sultana (Kercem parish). Mgr Pawlu Cardona and Mgr Guzeppi Attard are the new archpriests for the Gozitan capital’s rival parishes – St George and the Cathedral.
Eyebrows were raised when the Gozo diocese announced that the Gozo Bishop had appointed these two monsignors yesterday, particularly considering clashes at last month’s feast between supporters of the two band clubs associated with St George’s Basilica and the Cathedral respectively.
The band club associated to the cathedral, the Leone Philharmonic Society – which celebrates the feast of St Mary – issued a tough-worded media statement yesterday afternoon, in which it expressed its surprise at the “absurd” change of their parish’s archpriest.
The society emphasised that in their eyes, the change was tantamount to “the flock being denied of its spiritual pastor”, adding that over the past 40 years, they were always consulted with regard to the selection process of a new spiritual leader.
In the statement, the Leone Philharmonic Society said the diocese’s ecclesiastical authorities did not appreciate Mgr Vella Gauci’s invaluable work as archpriest of the cathedral.
The society deplored the arbitrary manner in which the archpriest they trusted so much was replaced by someone who never had any form of connection with the Cathedral’s community.
It said the decision would have a negative effect on the community’s perception of the Church and appealed to the ecclesiastical authorities to go back on their mistaken decision.
While Mgr Vella Gauci preferred not to comment on the incidents at last month’s feast, Mgr Farrugia denied that any form of clashes took place.
“What clashes? There were no clashes whatsoever and I believe this change has long been coming. I am happy with the Bishop’s decision and I look forward to my new role as the Archbishop’s delegate for education and culture,” said Mgr Farrugia.
Mgr Vella Gauci, on the other hand, has been appointed liaison officer between the Gozo diocese and the church commission dealing with European-Maltese episcopal affairs.