Toronto welcomes Maltese archbishop

TORONTO - Canada’s Maltese communities will roll out the red carpet this month for a special visit by Maltese Archbishop Paul Cremona, O.P.

Cremona was to first visit Windsor, London and Michigan from April 30-May 3 before spending May 7-14 in Toronto, home to the largest Maltese-Canadian population.

“This is an opportunity for the community to have their faith renewed and confirmed by his presence,” said Fr. Carmelo Borg, MSSP, pastor at Toronto’s only Maltese parish, St. Paul the Apostle Church.

The visit coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, which has been running the parish for the past 11 years.

Borg said the international society’s Toronto chapter started off with a focus of helping Maltese immigrants grow in their spirituality.

For most, this will be their first time meeting the 64-year old Maltese archbishop, as he was only installed to the archdiocese three years ago.

Cremona will start off his visit in Toronto by confirming Maltese Catholics at St. Paul the Apostle. He will celebrate Mass to commemorate the missionary society’s 100th anniversary on May 9, followed by an open reception in St. Paul’s hall.

The archbishop will spend the next few days meeting with a variety of Maltese clubs and societies, priests and religious,   and also visit with the Maltese of the Niagara and Hamilton regions at St. Anne’s parish in Niagara Falls.

The last few days of his visit will include a meeting with patients at Runnymede Hospital, visits to St. Paul’s Basilica and St. Michael’s Cathedral and a dinner-dance at Rizzo Hall.