Monsignor Grima was appointed an Ecclesiastical Knight of Grace of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George by decree of HRH Prince Ferdinando of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Grand Master on 2 October 1990. He was later promoted twice in recognition of his service to the Order with the rank of Ecclesiastical Knight Commander of Grace in 2003 and as the recipient of the Order´s Bronze Benemerenti Medal.
Coronato Grima was a longstanding spiritual guide to our Delegation and a strong supporter of the Order’s long-standing presence and engagement in Gibraltar – the smallest diocese in the Catholic world. He played a pivotal role in the historic official visit in April 2003 to Gibraltar of then Grand Prefect HRH Prince Carlo, Duke of Calabria and the then Grand Prior, HE Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda in to celebrate 1700 years of St George.
Coronato Grima was born in Victoria, Gozo, Malta on 18 August 1949 into a large family. Much like his brother Monsignor George Grima, Coronato was ordained into the priesthood by the late St Pope Paul VI in a ceremony held in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
Three months after his ordination, aged 26, Fr Coronato was sent to Gibraltar to help the clergy there, for what was believed at the time, would be a period of one year. He stayed there for the greatest part of his life and worked in various parishes, mainly St Joseph’s where he served as Parish Priest. He was eventually appointed Chancellor of the diocese. Hundreds of people will remember him as a zealous priest always ready to address the needs of his parishioners. Father Grima was installed as an Honorary Canon of St George’s in 1982 and was made a Monsignor while still in Gibraltar.
After more than thirty-five years spent in Gibraltar, Mgr Grima returned to Gozo in 2010. However, he did not enjoy his retirement due to poor health. He will be greatly missed and on behalf of all the knights, dames and medallists of our delegation I wish to extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Gibraltar TV prepared and broadcast a moving tribute to Monsignor Grima which can be seen by clicking the following link.
Requiescat in pace. Rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.