City in Malta Welcomes Archbishop in Porsche Boxster Pulled by 50 Children

Video of the strange procession was uploaded online last week, but it’s been pulled following the controversy it generated. Photos from the event are still available on the Facebook page of the Zebbug Gozo Parish, which organized it.

According to the church and local authorities, parading the archbishop, Father Gwann Sultana in this case, around town is a tradition, and whoever is taking offense at the way it happened, is taking offense at tradition itself. Plus, one local councilor tells Lovin’ Malta, where’s the problem when everyone involved in the procession was honored to be a part of it?

That is to say, if the kids who pulled Father Sultana in the Porsche loved every second of it, is the gesture still offensive? As for putting the cleric in an expensive car, the church doesn’t seem to want to comment on how ostentatious such a gesture is.

“This is a tradition that happens whenever a priest becomes Archpriest in Zebbug,” local councilor Sandra Grech says for Lovin' Malta. “Everyone was really happy that we were preparing for this unique feast. I don’t see anything wrong in it, it was a feast of happiness. It wasn’t bad taste at all, and the {ebbu!in were all really happy and the children enjoyed it so much, all dressed in white. Afterwards, we all celebrated with a large cake baked by the parish church that broke a national record.”

Sultana himself is offended that people are offended. “I’m sorry, but to me this simply isn’t an issue and certain comments being made are just not right,” he tells Times of Malta. He refuses to further discuss the matter because he believes critics are out for blood, and whatever he says will be used against him in the court of public opinion.