From Ms A. Falzon

I have heard and read a lot lately on the situation in Gozo regarding the archpriests.

Many say it was to deal a blow to parochial fanaticism, others say the cathedral parishioners are overdoing it because they refuse to accept the dismissal of Rev. Msgr Dr Joe Vella Gauci.

Well, as a cathedral choir member let me set certain things straight.

First, we are not angry over his dismissal, incorrectly reported as a “resignation”, as we were already aware that his dismissal was only a question of time. What was infuriating was the undiplomatic, un-Christian and unfair way he was dismissed.

Is it fair to receive a phone call late at night to be told that you should pack up and leave your post at that very instant! It was like a scene out of the Bible when the pharisees went to crucify Jesus in the dead of night and he said: “Why come for me now like thieves, when I was around all the time?” It was so inhumane not to let Rev. Msgr Dr Joe Vella Gauci sleep peacefully that night!

Was it fair not to give him the opportunity to say farewell to his parishioners as archpriest? Was it fair to appoint a new archpriest right there and then who doesn’t know the ins and outs of the cathedral? Shouldn’t there have been a weaning-in and weaning-out period, just as when Rev. Mario Grech was appointed bishop but did not take full power – il-pussess – until some months later?

And why is it that of the seven archpriests dealt with, six were immediately given a position of some dignity and income, but Rev. Msgr Dr Vella Gauci was left to hang high and dry? Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia of St George’s basilica had recently been voted the most disliked archpriest in Gozo, and yet he was given the title of archpriest-emeritus. On the other hand, Rev. Msgr Dr Vella Gauci, who had been voted one of the most liked, was not given any sop to keep cerebrus happy! Why?

So the captain tossed seven seamen into the sea – six in a lifeboat and one left to drift.

To the one that is adrift I would like to tell him that the holy mother he served so well is protecting him from the sharks until the love and loyalty of his friends, family and parishioners come to pick him up out of the sea and take him to the safety of the shore.

Thank you Rev. Msgr Dr Joe Vella Gauci for all those years of dedication and friendship!

Anna Falzon

QALA