Bishop of Gibraltar Charles Azzopardi embarks on new role with a series of services

Gibraltar's new Roman Catholic Bishop has embarked on his role with a series of services.

On Monday morning saw Bishop Charles Azzopardi officiate a youth mass involving the schools, and this evening he held a dedication service at the church of Our Lady of Sorrows.

His ordination ceremony at the Victoria Stadium on Sunday was attended by over 3,000 people.

It was a day of celebration and community as Monsignor Charles Azzopardi was ordained ninth Bishop of Gibraltar.

In a ceremony attended by thousands, it was the personal touches and the little moments that made the event unique.

From vestments to hymns, clergy to readings, every part of the ceremony had a local touch.  

Archbishop Mark Miles was given special dispensation to return to Gibraltar for the event, and he led the consecration of the new Bishop.

Among the co-consecrating bishops Archbishop Miguel Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Bishop Emeritus Carmel Zammit, and former Bishop of Gibraltar Ralph Heskett.

Known to all in the community as Father Charlie, the new Bishop of Gibraltar made the Promise of the Elect, before his anointment and the presentation of the ring, mitre and crozier.

After an emotional ceremony, Bishop Charles took the opportunity to address the congregation...

Moving to the installation at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, the ceremony saw the traditional knocking on the church doors, representing the opening of a new chapter.

At the service, the new Bishop made announcements relating to appointments within the clergy, including the re-appointment of Monsignor Paul Bear as his Vicar General.  

And with the final blessing, a new chapter opens as Gibraltar welcomes Bishop Charles Azzopardi.