On Monday, 9th October, the bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech, appointed Xaghra born Can. Frankie Bajada as pastor of the Ghajnsielem Parish and successor to Can Joseph Zerafa. The Gozo Bishop unexpectedly announced the news of the appointment to the faithful congregated after Monday’s 6.30pm mass. After his announcement, the new archpriest immediately started his pastoral activities by visiting the main clubs and organizations where he was embraced, kissed and hugged by the surprised people.

Definitely the news of his new tenure as the eleventh parish priest of Ghajnsielem was greeted with joy by all the Ghajnsilmizi who immediately gathered around him to congratulate Fr Bajada for his new appointment. He will be undeniably a worthy pastor and leader for the people.

The newly appointed Archpriest is expected to start his pastoral activity in Ghajnsielem during the first week of November. He also gave indications that he might be formally appointed on December 10th, 2006 during a solemn liturgy led by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech where he performs the rite of pushing the doors of his parish church open. This is an auspicious day since on the 10th of December Ghajnsielem celebrates 'Jum Ghajnsielem' and the liturgic Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. A confirmation on the exact dates will be announced soon.

Fr. Bajada was invested as Munxar's third parish-priest with great pomp on May 24, 1996. Even in so short a span of time Fr. Bajada's imprint on this small parish cannot be missed. He has infused new energy and youthful enthusiasm among the various sectors and embarked on an ambitious but highly useful refurbishment of the parish centre.

Meanwhile, Fr Tonio Galea, a priest from the St George’s parish has been appointed as the new parish priest of Munxar thus succeeding Can. Frankie Bajada.

Ghajnsielem.com would like to congratulate Can. Frankie Bajada on his new appointment.