The Archdiocese of Malta and the Maltese Carmelite Province have completed the process for the handing over of the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Fleur-de-Lys, a statement by the Archdiocese said Saturday.

The Church as well as the complex attached to it will now be for the pastoral use by the Archdiocese.

The statement read that as from Monday 9 January 2023, the Fleur-de-Lys Parish will fall under the direct responsibility of the diocesan clergy.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna appointed Rev. Darren Pace as parish administrator. The parish gathers around 2,600 people.

Scicluna thanked the Carmelite Order for the many years of pastoral work in the parish.

Rev. Darren Pace was born on the 11 April, 1980. He received his education at the Mosta primary and the Minor Seminary. He completed his studies at the University of Malta and was ordained a priest on June 30, 2006.

He served in several parishes including the Immaculate Conception in Hamrun, Msida, Bormla, Għargħur and Gzira. Pace is a professed tertiary in the Carmelite Order and is assistant spiritual director of various branches of the Third Carmelite Order.