PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE FAMILY

VISIT TO MALTA OF THE SPECIAL ENVOY
OF POPE BENEDICT XVI
HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL ENNIO ANTONELLI

Sunday, 28 June 2009

On the second day of his visit to Malta, H.E. Cardinal Ennio Antontelli visited the Chapel dedicated to Saint Paul in Saint Paul’s Bay. Accompanied by Mgr. Tommaso Caputo, Apostolic Nuncio to Malta, Cardinal Antonelli was greeted by Mgr. Paul Cremona, Archbishop of Malta and Mgr. Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo. Cardinal Antonelli led the gathering into a time of prayer before departing on a private yacht to the sister island of Gozo.

Upon his arrival in Mgarr harbour, Cardinal Ennio Antonelli was taken to the parish of Nadur where he led a Pontifical Mass in the village parish church which is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. In his homily, Cardinal Antonelli spoke about the way in which the Maltese people have inherited Saint Paul’s missionary spirit. He also spoke about the spiritual riches of the Church in Malta and about the way in which this Church is spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in the Universal Church despite it being such a small diocese.

Following Mass, Cardinal Antonelli was then escorted to the village of Munxar where he met the families living in this parish. Cardinal Antonelli emphasized the need for families to follow on Saint Paul’s example and be witnesses to Jesus Christ. The Pope’s envoy also read a letter sent by Pope Benedict XVI in which the Pope wrote that with prayer, enthusiasm and zeal, Cardinal Antonelli is to inspire and give attention to the Maltese people for them to continue bearing witness to the spirituality and faithfulness of Saint Paul.

Cardinal Antonelli left the island of Gozo in the early hours of the afternoon to return to Malta.