I have spoken at length with the staff of Gozo bishop’s Mario Grech and I am persuaded given their declarations to me, including the one below, that there is no basis for a claim made in a guest post I posted this week, linked here. I regret the inconvenience caused to the bishop by this allegation and apologise to him for it. As is normal on this website when I publish right of reply responses, comments will not be allowed.
Dear Mr Delia,
I refer to the guest post published on your blog on October 2.
I write as the person legally responsible for the Administration and Management of property owned by the Diocese of Gozo.
I confirm categorically that there is absolutely no truth in the allegation that Bishop Mario Grech sold to any member of his family and in particular to one of his siblings any property (a sea-view flat in Marsalforn) that belonged to the Diocese of Gozo.
Furthermore please note that neither the Curia nor Bishop Grech sold any property anywhere to any members or siblings of Bishop Grech.
The policy adopted by the Property Division of the Diocese all through the tenure of Bishop Grech was not to alienate Church property.
I state this categorically and in the most absolute way. I am ready to support this statement by an Affidavit.
Victor Gusman
Administrative Secretary
Diocese of Gozo