Għarb today inaugurates monument to Bishop Emeritus Nikol G. Cauchi

Today at 10am a ceremony will be held by the l-Għarb Local Council, starting with a march along Church Street by Għaqda Mużikali Viżitazzjoni to inaugurate the bronze monument of Bishop Emeritus Nikol G. Cauchi at Pjazza Żjara tal-Madonna.

The Għarb Local Council took the initiative to set up this monument which is being co-financed by the Minister of Gozo. It was designed by Chev. Adonai Camilleri Cauchi and the bronze monument was made by Campane Cacciabaudo foundry in Sicily.

The ceremony will include a musical composition by Mro. Antoine Mercieca and lyrics by Mr. Joe Psaila. Various people will talk about different aspects of his life.

A small square next to the Parish and Basilica Church of Għarb will be given the name of Bishop Cauchi.

Bishop Cauchi will be remembered for his hard work, his commitment towards the Catholic Church and the implementation that brought with it the Vatican Council II, towards the poor, the family, towards life and other good qualities for which he will be remembered as a true gentleman.

Bishop Cauchi remained Bishop of Gozo for the past 38 years. He was born at Għarb in 1929 and was ordained priest in 1952. In 1956 he became Parish Priest of Fontana. He also held the chair of Philosophy and Sociology at the Gozo Seminary, where he also taught Italian. He became auxiliary Bishop to Mgr Giuseppe Pace in 1967 and effectively took over the running of the diocese well before Mgr Pace passed away in 1972 when he formally took over.

Those who knew him well, will also remember him as an intelligent person, his love for literature, his deep knowledge of Church and his jovial character.