Archbishop Charles Scicluna was heard to ask whether whisky, rather than wine, had been put in his chalice on Sunday.
The unusual incident happened during pontifical Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral to mark the launching of the process for the beatification and canonisation of the former provincial of the De La Salle Brothers, Bro. Louis Camilleri.
Is this wine or whisky… it is whisky, Mgr Scicluna is heard saying on the altar. A co-celebrant tastes it and agrees.
After a pause the Mass continued as usual. A second chalice, containing consecrated wine, was then used.
A spokesman for the Curia said it was ‘An unfortunate incident by the sacristans.’ He did not suggest this was a joke.
Watch the video above or below at position 1:31
