Archbishop Charles Scicluna has appointed Mgr Jesmond Manicaro as the Episcopal Vicar for Liturgy.
Mgr Jesmond Manicaro was born in Paola on 27th August 1964. He studied at the University of Malta, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology. He continued his studies at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of St Anselmo in Rome, where he earned a Licentiate and Doctorate in Liturgy. Mgr Manicaro was ordained priest on 5th July 1991, and has served in the parishes of Ħaż‑Żebbuġ, Santa Luċija and Cospicua. He currently holds pastoral responsibilities as rector of the Church of All Souls (Tal‑Erwieħ) in Ħal Tarxien. He was also a lecturer at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta, and has been the delegate of the Archbishop for Liturgy since 2000.
The mission of the Episcopal Vicariate for Liturgy is to oversee the celebration of Mass, the sacraments and other sacramentals, as well as the Liturgy of the Hours. This vicariate strives to foster a dynamic and enriching liturgical experience by offering formation and resources to all Christians. Its aim is to ensure that an active and fruitful liturgy, considered as the source and summit of the life of the Church, is celebrated in the most profound manner across all communities.
Pope Francis maintains that the liturgy gives us the opportunity to encounter Christ, and he, therefore, invites us to discover the profound truths within the liturgical celebrations, encouraging us to live them to the fullest.