Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca will be 79 tomorrow. He was born in Victoria on 11 November 1928, was educated at the Gozo Seminary and completed his studies at the Gregorian and Lateran University, Rome, graduating in theology and canon law.

Mgr Mercieca was ordained to the priesthood in 1952, and in 1974 was appointed auxiliary to the Archbishop, Mgr Michael Gonzi and consecrated bishop. He was enthroned as archbishop in 1976. Last January he led the episcopal ordination of Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona OP, who succeeded him as Archbishop of Malta as from that day.