Student’s Simple Question Leads Bishop to Reflect on His Journey to Becoming a Bishop
In a charming exchange between a young student and Cathcroc, Bishop Charles Gauci candidly reflected on his childhood dreams and his eventual calling to priesthood and episcopacy. The conversation was part of an ongoing initiative where children engage with Cathcroc the diocese’s animated charcter and Bishop Charles.
Byron, a student with a curious mind, posed the question: “When you were a child, did you dream of being a Bishop?” The inquiry led to a moment of heartfelt reflection from Bishop Gauci, who admitted with a smile, “Certainly not.”
Bishop Gauci explained that while the thought of becoming a priest had crossed his mind at a young age, it wasn’t something he held onto throughout his childhood. “The idea was there for quite some time, then it went away,” he shared. As he grew older, however, he felt a stronger calling to priesthood. “I began to believe that God wanted me to be a priest,” he said, explaining his eventual decision to embrace the vocation.
The journey to becoming a bishop, on the other hand, was never part of his plan. Bishop Gauci recounted how, after many years of serving as a priest, the Church invited him to take on the role of bishop. It was a decision he approached with careful thought and prayer, believing that God was calling him through the Church to accept this new role. “That’s why I said yes to being a bishop,” he told Byron, emphasising that the choice was made out of faith and a sense of duty.
The exchange with Byron highlights Bishop Gauci’s humility and deep sense of calling, offering a glimpse into the personal journey of one of the Territory’s most respected spiritual leaders. For the young people of the Territory, his story serves as a reminder that life’s path often unfolds in unexpected ways—and that answering a call to serve is a journey of faith.
This conversation is part of a broader effort by the Diocese to engage with younger audiences, ensuring that children and young people feel connected to the Church and its leadership.