On Thursday 1st December 2011, the people of Malta paid their last respects to Mgr Annetto Depasquale, Titular Bishop of Aradi, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Malta. Mass was held at St. John’s CoCathedral, Valletta and was led by Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. The congregation which included hundreds of people was led by the President of Malta, Dr George Abela.
CLICK HERE to read the Archbishop’s message during the funeral Mass of Mgr Depasquale.
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MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY SEE
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His Grace
The Most Reverend Paul Cremona
Archbishop of Malta
Having learned with sadness of the death of the Right Reverend Annetto Depasquale, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta, the Holy Father sends heartfelt condolences to you, to the Bishop’s family, and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese.
He joins all those gathered for the solemn funeral rite in praying for the eternal repose of Bishop Depasquale’s sole, and in commending him to the loving mercy of Almighty God.
Recalling the long and devoted ministry of the deceased as priest and Bishop, and his lifelong dedication to his apostolate, even at times of physical frailty, His Holiness prays that the Bishop’s memory will inspire the community he served, to live the Gospel ever more faithfully and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction.
As a pledge of spiritual strength and comfort, the Holy Father imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all who mourn in the hope of resurrection to new life in Christ.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State
Click on the photos to enlarge. Photos by: Photocity, Valletta.