Monsignor Charles Azzopardi was born in Gibraltar on 20 April 1962.
He worked at The Gibraltar Motor Hire Service from 1978 to 1986.
From 1986 to 1992, he undertook ecclesiastical formation, first in the UK at New Creation Church in Liverpool; then at the Jesuit-run Milltown Institute in Dublin, Ireland.
He subsequently attended the Collegio Urbano of Propaganda Fide, Rome, Italy.
He was ordained priest for the clergy of the Diocese of Gibraltar on 6 August 1992.
Mgr Azzopardi has held the following pastoral appointments in the Diocese of Gibraltar:
Assistant Priest at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned (1992 to 1998).
Parish Priest of St Theresa’s, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, Director of Nazareth House and of the Soup Kitchen (From 1998 to present).
Furthermore, from 1998 to 2010, he served as School Chaplain at St Anne’s and Notre Dame Primary Schools, as well as at Westside and Bayside Comprehensive Schools.
The left side: The Diocesan Coat of Arms
This part of the shield holds the usual coat of arms for the Diocese, with the rock symbolising the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. The Cross in gold reminds us of how Jesus founded His Church when he promised to Simon, whom he renamed Peter (which means rock in Greek): “And upon this rock I will build my Church” (Mattew 16:18).
Above the Cross is the Holy Spirit, symbolised by the dove, shinning forth rays of His grace and mercy: the seven Sacraments. The blue sky background is also often used in heraldry to denote: Loyalty & Truth (indicating faithfulness and honesty); Strength & Steadfastness (signifying enduring power and constancy); Nobility & Piety (reflecting dignity and sincerity of belief); Hope & Vigilance (inviting optimism and moral watchfulness).
The right side: The Episcopal Symbols
This part of the shield witnesses to Bishop Azzopardi’s own history and spiritual journey. At the top is the five-pointed star, which is a reference to the traditional coat of arms of the ‘Azzopardi’ family. Beneath this is the Marian ‘M’ adorned with 5 flower motifs. It refers to the monogram associated with the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, Gibraltar’s patroness.
The Bishop’s Motto: Ipsum Audite
Bishop Azzopardi was ordained a priest on the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord, on the 6th of August, 1992. His episcopal motto reads: “Ipsum Audite”: “Listen to Him!”. It is taken from the Gospel for the Feast, recalling the voice heard from Heaven by the three disciples saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Mt 17:5).
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