I have to point out – and prove – to Bishop Mario Grech that his policy of deparochialisation is not succeeding. For example, on last Thursday’s L-Iswed Fuq L-Abjad an SMS was sent supporting his policy, but ended with the words “Viva St George”! Are these the same ones who embarrassingly shouted “Georgie! Georgie!” in St Peter’s Square during the canonisation of Dun Gorg Preca?

But, your Excellency, this was nothing compared to the St George’s weekly church bulletin dated 14 October, which can be viewed by all on the parish’s website. In the archpriest’s letter one finds an excessive and fond use of terms like “a true Georgian”, “a loyal Georgian”, “a Georgian in fact and deed” and he even bestows his blessings upon all those who “love St George and never hurt St George”...

This all smacks of parochialism! And for the cherry on the icing, it was signed arcipriet Guzeppi Farrugia! Was he not deprived of that title? He might be archpriest-emeritus, but in my opinion that’s like the Prince calling himself the king! And why does he keep referring to Mons. Pawlu Cardona as “l-arcipriet il-gdid” and “l-arcipriet elett”? He is the archpriest, plain and simple! Or is he some kind of a puppet?

So, you see, that’s why, your excellency, Rev. Guzeppi Farrugia and his supporters are so happy, because in your treatment of the two rival parishes in Victoria, Rev. Guzeppi Farrugia came out on top – you took away his cake but left him a huge chunk of it! He has his job as lecturer, his job at the seminary and his post as archpriest-emeritus with all the income they bring! But what about Rev. Dr Joe Vella Gauci? You took away his cake and left him nothing.

Your Excellency, is this how you intend to solve parochialism, by partial treatment and by letting such a parochial-partisan attitude go unchecked? By refusing to balance the situation by giving Rev. Dr Joe Vella Gauci a fairer deal?

Who is in charge?

I close with these words: Christ said: “Knock, and the door will be opened.” The cathedral parishioners have been knocking – and telephoning! Yet you refuse to answer. “What father would give his son a serpent if he asked for a fish?” You gave Rev. Dr Joe Vella Gauci a serpent with a poisonous bite!

Joanna Refalo

VICTORIA