This morning I was thinking of drafting a letter to Mgr. Annetto Depasquale regarding some important matters. It was not to be. In the afternoon, I heard of the sudden dead of Bishop Depasquale.
Bishop Annetto Depasquale passed away this afternoon, aged 73. It is indeed a sad loss for us all Maltese Catholics. Many of us have benefitted in one way or another from his advice, guidance or his welcome smile. Personally, I will miss that handshake and beaming smile although I last met him in 2007.
Bishop Depasquale was the epitome of humility and prudence. He was soft spoken and avoided the front rows, but his views and advice manifested the depth of his wisdom and his ability to grasp the core of situations. The Archdiocese of Malta has lost a highly intelligent and erudite priest.
Over the years he served the Church in pastoral duties with the Church Commission for Children’s Homes, the Pastoral Research Services, besides assisting in the parish of St George in Qormi and the English speaking community in Malta. He taught Canon Law in the Faculties of Theology and Laws of the University of Malta. He became Chancellor on 6 August 1977 and Pastoral Secretary on 14 April 1986. On 9 January 1989 he was appointed Vicar General and on 16 November 1998 His Holiness Blessed Pope John Paul II nominated him Titular Bishop of Aradi and Auxiliary Bishop of Malta.
Mgr. Annetto Depasquale, R.I.P.
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