On the 12th of February 2011 Mgr. Joe Bonello as ordained Bishop at Saint Geltrude Church in Juticalpa, Olancho Honduras.

The three official Bishops who presided were: Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga: Archbishop of Tegucigalpa and president of the Episcopal Conference in Honduras, Archbishop Mgr. Luigi Bianco: Apostolic Nuncio for Honduras, and Bishop Mgr. Mauro Muldoon OFM: Bishop of Juticalpa, Olancho.

Others taking part in this celebration are:

–    The twelve Bishops of Honduras including Mgr. Robert Camilleri OFM
–    The Provincial Minister Fr Sandro Overend and other various friars from Malta
–    The Archpriest of Xagħra Gozo: Mons. Carmelo Refalo
–    Various people from the congregation of the parish La Libertad where Mgr. Joe  Bonello was pastor
–    Missionaries who are in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador
–    Family members from Malta and other various relatives and friends

Present for the ordination was the President of the Republic of Honduras Porfirio Lobo Sosa.  It is estimated that around 10,000 persons took part in the celebration which was also transmitted live on the National TV and on various radio stations.

pictures: Marcellino Micallef ofm