I refer to the letter entitled No jokes at Mass, please! by Mr Paul Galea (TMIS, 5 July).

My predecessor also used to tell some jokes sometimes but I do not know if he ever received letters or emails from Mr Galea in this regard.

I add a joke only on certain Sundays or special feasts, about once a month.

I have told jokes even when the

former archbishop and the present archbishop have celebrated the mass, and they have never told me to stop.

All the jokes are clean and reflect “the insight into and foibles of humanity” to which Mr Galea refers in his letter.

I have been telling jokes for the past 14 years – since I was appointed parish priest, first in Marsascala and now in Qormi.

I think God wants us to be happy and joyful. It is a joy for me to see people, perhaps beginning the day or coming to church full of their everyday hardships, leaving the church feeling cheerful.

On all occasions I try to lift the aching hearts of people I meet in my everyday encounters, in a jovial manner.

My second point: Why is Mr Galea attacking me for telling jokes during mass? These emails and reports to the Curia about me telling jokes started a little more than a year ago and happened exactly at the time that I asked Mr Galea to stop offering his services as Special Minister of Communion.

I have tried not to see a connection, but there seems to be one.

Fr Anthony Cassar

Parish Priest

QORMI