The year 2024 of the synodal process for ecclesial renewal One Church, One Journey is dedicated to the theme “Church that Goes Forth”.
At the last Diocesan Assembly of November 2023 that launched the year, participants identified a number of themes where the local Church needs to go forth so that, in the spirit of St Paul the Apostle who proclaimed the gospel among us with gestures of healing, we too reach out with “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2) to heal wounds.
The Church in Malta is inviting everyone who identifies as Catholic to participate in one or more of a series of spiritual conversations that can be attended either in person or online.
The themes discussed are personal struggles, the Christian community of missionary disciples and the new challenges for the local Church.
The aim of these conversations is to listen to one another and to the Spirit as we discern what concrete actions the Church in Malta is being called to undertake in what Pope Francis describes as our “field hospital after the battlefield.”
Il‑Knisja u s‑saċerdot kif jistgħu jkunu strument ta’ tama u fejqan fis‑soċjetà? Kif iħossu s‑saċerdot quddiem il‑ġrieħi tal‑persuni li jiltaqa’ magħhom? Is‑sagrament tar‑rikonċiljazzjoni x’futur għandu? Dawn huma ftit mill‑mistoqsijiet li saċerdoti djoċesani u reliġjużi ddiskutew fil‑jiem li għaddew waqt il‑laqgħa annwali tal‑Aġġornament għall‑Kleru bi tħejjija għall‑Ġublew tat‑Tama li se jsir is‑sena d‑dieħla.
Għal dawn il‑jiem ġie mistieden Prof. Johan de Tavernier, professur tat‑Teoloġija Etika, li stieden lis‑saċerdoti jirriflettu fuq kif il‑Knisja u s‑saċerdoti jistgħu jkunu effettivi fid‑dinja tal‑lum u x’inhuma l‑kwalitajiet li jistgħu jibnu fuqhom biex ikunu pellegrini tat‑tama u ministri ta’ rikonċiljazzjoni.
Matul l‑Aġġornament, il‑President Emeritu Marie‑Louise Colerio Preca, Desmond Zammit Marmarà u Peppi Azzopardi għenu lis‑saċerdoti jifhmu kif it‑tiftix għall‑verità iwassal lill‑Knisja tkompli tispira fiduċja u tama hi u twassal il‑messaġġ tagħha. Waqt il‑workshops, il‑lajċi u s‑saċerdoti qasmu l‑esperjenzi tagħhom, kemm tat‑tip ta’ weġgħat li jiltaqgħu magħhom kif ukoll ta’ inizjattivi li ħallew il‑ġid. Fost l‑oħrajn semmew kif fid‑dinja mgħaġġla tal‑lum, in‑nies huma mixtieqa minn persuna li tismagħhom u tilqagħhom mingħajr ġudizzju.
L‑Isqof Anton Teuma tkellem fuq is‑sagrament tal‑qrar bħala esperjenza tal‑imħabba b’xejn kontinwa ta’ Alla. Din il‑maħfra ta’ Alla turi l‑qawwa tagħha meta tagħmilna nies ġodda u terġa’ tqabbadna t‑triq lejn it‑tajjeb. Huwa identifika numru ta’ sfidi fil‑prattika tal‑qrar, fosthom il‑perfezzjoniżmu u l‑importanza żejda tal‑aspett uman tal‑qrar.
L‑Aġġornament tal‑Kleru ntemm b’messaġġ mill‑Arċisqof Charles Scicluna fejn apella lis‑saċerdoti biex bi kliemhom, bl‑eżempju u bis‑sagrifiċċji tagħhom ikunu verament ambaxxaturi tat‑tama. Stedinhom sabiex waqt is‑sagrament tar‑rikonċiljazzjoni juru mogħdrija mal‑persuna li ġiet tqerr u verament tħoss il‑paċi f’qalbha. L‑Arċisqof fakkar li l‑missjoni tas‑saċerdot hi li jkun missjunarju tal‑ħniena u rappreżentant ta’ Ġesù u għalhekk irid ikollu l‑qalb, il‑ħarsa u l‑atteġġjament tiegħu mal‑proxxmu.
L‑Aġġornament tal‑Kleru ġie organizzat bejn l‑20 u t‑22 ta’ Mejju 2024 fis‑Seminarju tal‑Arċisqof.
The prohibitive increase in housing costs and the conflicting emotions of joy and anxiety that came with living in Malta were the issues working migrants raised with Archbishop Charles Scicluna on 30th April 2024, eve of the feast of St Joseph the Worker.
Several migrants from Sub-Saharan and West Africa, as well as South and Southeast Asia who gathered at the Archbishop’s Curia in Floriana, thanked the Archbishop for welcoming them as a father, while acknowledging the Church’s role as a defender of workers’ dignity.
During the meeting — organised by the Migrants Commission in collaboration with the Justice and Peace Commission — the migrants shared their joys and hopes, grief and anxieties of living and working in Malta and spoke about the life trajectories that brought them here.
Malta, they said, had become home for them; a place where they experienced a sense of belonging and engaged in meaningful friendships with the Maltese. The island is safe and offers them protection and various opportunities. On the flip side, they shared their concerns about abuse and exploitation at the workplace, struggles with securing work contracts, as well as experiences of xenophobia and bureaucratic delays.
Those present reported experiences of deep suffering when facing asylum procedures, or when attempting to obtain or renew the single work permit. One issue that deeply impacted all workers’ quality of life — of whatever nationality — was the exorbitant increase in housing costs witnessed over the last few years.
The migrants also raised the importance of offering stability and security to children born in Malta. Moreover, despite having lived and worked in Malta for several years, migrants still lacked proper and secure documentation and lived in constant fear of being deported. The need for transparent pathways to obtain long-term residence permits and citizenship was discussed.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna emphasised the importance of human dignity and stated it must be honoured in all spheres of life: “We need to listen to one another and we need to be able to give hope to each and every one of us.”
Those who attended the meeting left feeling grateful to the Archbishop for having listened to their concerns and for offering them a safe space to speak out.
HopeGen, a one-year project by the Justice and Peace Commission and the Malta Catholic Youth Network (MCYN), has been launched to empower young people with the tools and capacity to actively contribute to building a more just and fair society.
Through HopeGen, the Church in Malta is committed to nurturing a generation of young people with the hope that they will become active and responsible citizens. This commitment includes addressing various challenges, injustices, and uncertainties prevalent in today’s world. The training for around 15 participants will be provided through talks, workshops, speeches by experts, group discussions and the creation of awareness campaigns.
During the launch, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi praised the initiative of HopeGen and expressed gratitude to the Justice and Peace Commission and MCYN for this project. He emphasised that HopeGen is a significant contribution of the Church in Malta for individuals who aspire to engage in politics and Maltese society guided by human values that promote goodness. Bishop Galea-Curmi encouraged the participants to familiarise themselves with the Church’s Social Teaching, urging them to refer to the original sources and not solely rely on information from social media.
Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and former Minister Evarist Bartolo shared their thoughts on the current challenges facing our country. They emphasised the danger of succumbing to cynicism, which leads to staying away from public life, urging the importance of remaining engaged in politics.
Two HopeGen participants, Juanita Galea and Matthew Grech, highlighted the danger of letting fear stop us and change our thinking and perception of reality. They underscored the need for politicians to adhere to their principles while fostering open dialogue.
HopeGen is the result of ‘One Church, One Journey’ a four-year process undertaken by the Church in Malta. The primary objective of disseminating the values and principles embraced by the Church to a broader audience through innovative initiatives.
Parish priests in Malta recently convened for their annual live-in event, themed “an outgoing Church,” aligning with the ecclesial renewal process of the Church in Malta under the banner of “one Church, one journey.”
The focus of this gathering was to explore ways of being a vibrant presence in the community while sharing the Gospel’s joy.
Throughout the event, various speakers discussed their experiences addressing different societal challenges and emphasised the pivotal role parishes can play in positively impacting people’s lives.
Topics ranged from poverty, homelessness, and prostitution to issues like loneliness, money management, parenting, technology overuse, and overall living conditions. Participants shared insights on how their parishes actively engage, welcome, and support individuals on the fringes of society.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna expressed gratitude to parish priests across Malta for their continuous dedication to their communities. He acknowledged the ongoing thirst for the priestly presence in Maltese society and urged priests to extend their care beyond the Church’s immediate circles to those on the periphery.
A significant portion of the live-in centred on the pastoral work with young people. Speakers Benjamin Flores Martin from MCYN and Clive Bonnici from PRISMS addressed the challenges tied to language, culture, and mentality, encouraging parish priests not to be discouraged when accompanying young individuals.
Fr Jimmy Bonnici and Fr Frankie Cini MSSP guided priests in reflecting on their vocations and priestly missions within an ever-changing society. They underscored the importance of service, the Parish Priest’s presence among God’s people, and the role of acting as the “salt” that enhances the parish’s essence.
This year’s guest speakers included Rev. Prof. Mark Sultana, Albert Debono from the Diaconia Parishes Section, YMCA Chief Executive Anthony Camilleri, Tracy Vella from Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, Maria Borg Pellicano from Dar Hosea, and Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing Prof. Andrew Azzopardi.
Organised by the Council of the College of Parish Priests, the live-in took place from January 9 to 11, 2024, at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtù.
Research carried out among Church schools revealed that maintaining the Christian identity, intricately interwoven with the diverse charisms of the congregations, is an essential objective for all Church schools in Malta and Gozo. This imperative persists while continuing to strengthen the Christian formation provided to students, staff, and parents.
The research constitutes the initial phase of a collaborative process undertaken by the Secretariat for Catholic Education, the Association of Church Schools, and the Superior Major Religious Council. The objective is to determine the way forward for Church schools in Malta and Gozo, catering for almost 17,000 students and employing more than 3,000 educators.
The findings were presented to Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Bishop Anton Teuma during a seminar aimed at discussing proposed actions responding to the research findings. These proposals focus on three key areas: clarifying and reinforcing the identity of the Church school in today’s Malta and Gozo, providing comprehensive training for employees, and strengthening governance structures where necessary.
From left: Archbishop Charles Scicluna addressing the seminar, Fr Jimmy Bartolo SJ, Prof. Nadia Delicata, Fr Leslie Gatt OSA and Dr Ian Mifsud
Over the years, the Church, through the efforts of diocesan and religious priests, nuns, and lay people, has played an instrumental role in shaping the educational landscape of the country. However, the shortage of vocations for consecrated or priestly life necessitates increased investment in the laity, both as school leaders and educators.
Conducted by DISCERN, this qualitative research also sheds light on how, despite contemporary societal challenges, Church schools persist in progressing towards greater inclusivity, offering holistic education, and generally fostering a positive environment imbued with sound relationships. Interviews with provincials of religious orders, rectors, principals, directors, and heads of schools revealed differences in how schools envision their future, particularly in staff formation, policy design, and leadership structures.
Addressing the seminar, Archbishop Charles Scicluna expressed his wish for Church schools to keep their feet on the ground while continuing to work together for the good of the community with great responsibility. He also stated, “I would like to ask that, through our work, we insist on developing the gift of critical thinking in ourselves and in every other member of the community, including our students and employees. It’s lamentable that we live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with numerous opinions and ideas, and we lack the ability to listen, ponder, and make the best choices”. The Archbishop reiterated the importance of Church schools instilling in students a willingness to be of service to others through volunteering, not only within the school but also in their local community. He also expressed the hope that Church schools continue to facilitate our encounter with Jesus Christ.
Bishop Anton Teuma addressing the seminar
Bishop Anton Teuma stated that there is still a need for Church schools in Malta and Gozo, especially in the secular and multicultural society we live in. He argued that each Church school should clearly define its objectives to ensure the continual embrace and promotion of its Catholic identity. This commitment extends to the ongoing formation of individuals expected to be witnesses and leaders in the Church’s mission.
The subsequent step involves continued collaboration among the Secretariat for Catholic Education, the Association of Church Schools, and the Superior Major Religious Council to formulate action plans for the proposed enhancements in Church schools’ identity, formation of staff, and governing structures in Malta and Gozo.
The seminar witnessed the participation of heads of Church schools, rectors, principals, directors, and board chairpersons, along with the senior management of the Secretariat and the Archbishop’s Delegate for Catholic Education, as well as the provincials of the religious orders.
The Bishops together with the Secretariat for Catholic Education, the Association of Church Schools, and the Superior Major Religious Council, as well as the heads of Church schools, rectors, principals, directors, and chairpersons of the boards
Archbishop Charles Scicluna inaugurated ‘Il-Kċina ta’ Marta’, another initiative of the Church in Malta aimed at helping those currently going through difficult times. Around 350 people a week are receiving the 1,200 free meals prepared by the 30 volunteers of Il-Kċina ta’ Marta at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtù. An additional 20 volunteers handle meal distribution to the homes of those who are housebound. Il-Kċina ta’ Marta is led by LOOP Parish Diaconia in collaboration with The Alfred Mizzi Foundation.
Since the beginning of this year, Il-Kċina ta’ Marta has provided 50,000 meals. Thanks to benefactors and the hard work of volunteers, the cost of the food is reduced by 80%. The remaining costs are covered thanks to donations collected by parishes or given directly by the generous public. A donation of €30 covers the cost of a meal per day for a person for an entire month.
During the visit, the Archbishop remarked, “Il-Kċina ta’ Marta is a sign of hope for those who are currently, for one reason or another, experiencing a moment of darkness.” This hope is brought about by volunteers and benefactors responding to Jesus’ invitation when He said: ‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink’. As Christmas approaches, the Archbishop appealed to all those for whom this period is full of meals and celebrations to remember those who cannot even enjoy one single meal per day and to consider making a small donation to Il-Kċina ta’ Marta.
On behalf of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, Julian Sammut said that Il-Kċina ta’ Marta is the successor to the free meals distributed by Caritas Malta and The Alfred Mizzi Foundation during the pandemic. He mentioned that, in order for Il-Kċina ta’ Marta to continue offering food with dignity, the foundation donated a van specially equipped to distribute meals where needed. Mr Sammut also highlighted that The Alfred Mizzi Foundation helps with over 100,000 meals a year, including meals for Dar Papa Franġisku, Il-Kċina ta’ Marta, and other soup kitchens and food banks in Malta.
Mgr Charles Cordina, the Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia, said that during the year, around 1,300 families receive assistance from the parishes in Malta through the work of diaconia. “Il-Kċina ta’ Marta further strengthens this service because now the Church can provide nutritious food with dignity even to those who cannot leave their homes. Additionally, through this service, many more members of our communities are actively contributing to ensure nobody in society is left behind. A parish becomes stronger when its members play an active role in its work, especially with those in need.”
The free meals distributed by the Love Kitchen of the Millenium Chapel and by the Qawra Parish are also cooked and prepared by Il-Kċina ta’ Marta. The volunteers of Il-Kċina ta’ Marta will also be providing food for another Church soup kitchen which will start offering its service in the evening in Ħal Balzan in the coming weeks.
Donations in aid of Il-Kċina ta’ Marta may be made at loop.mt. Anyone wishing to become a volunteer or benefactor is invited to visit LOOP’s website or to call 25906309 or 79822886.
More information about LOOP Parish Diaconia
LOOP Parish Diaconia is the result of coordinated efforts between parish priests and volunteers from the 70 parishes of the Archdiocese of Malta.
The main objectives of LOOP Parish Diaconia are to address basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter for those in difficult situations; to provide a wide platform for the community to contribute towards helping the needy; and to raise funds for the parishes to be able to support people in need and their aspiration to be active members of society.
All this work is carried out in collaboration with professionals from the social field coming from six Church entities, namely, the Millennium Chapel, St Jeanne Antide Foundation, Caritas Malta Foundation, Paulo Freire Institute, the Secretariat for Social Assistance and Fondazzjoni Sebħ.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna inaugurated the newly established centre Id f’Id (Hand in Hand), an initiative by the Life Network Foundation, on Thursday 14th September 2023. This centre aims to offer tangible support to expectant mothers and young families as they navigate the complexities of raising young children amid life’s trials.
The opening of Id f’Id continues to strengthen the comprehensive support services provided by the Life Network Foundation to pregnant women in need. These services include a 24/7 chat service and helpline; Dar Tgħanniqa ta’ Omm in Mosta for homeless, expectant mothers, as well as counselling and various community outreach programmes. All of these services are provided by a dedicated, professional team and are completely free of charge.
During the inauguration and blessing of the centre, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said, “In today’s world, no expecting mother should ever feel alone. There already are professional and free services that provide comprehensive support. As a society, it is our duty to stand alongside these women, enabling them to make the courageous choice to prioritise life. We need to walk the talk by giving women real choices, offering women genuine choices that allow them to embrace motherhood with joy and celebrate the precious gift of new life”.
Over the past four years, the Life Network Foundation has consistently assisted over 200 families. Recently, it celebrated the birth of the 100th baby whose mother or parents received support from Life Line, yet another invaluable service provided by the Life Network Foundation.
“The hub opening marks another significant milestone in our mission to support pregnant women, babies and young children within our community,” said Dr Miriam Sciberras, Chief Executive of the Life Network Foundation.
Thanks to the generous support from sponsors and volunteers, Id f’Id, which used to be a flower shop, has been completely refurbished to provide essential items, such as, baby clothes, maternity supplies, bedding, toys and other necessities for parents in need.
Id f’Id will centralise the sorting, organization and distribution of donated items, including baby food, hospital bag essentials, baby and maternity equipment, and infant clothing. These items will be distributed to the residents of Dar Tgħanniqa ta’ Omm and other families in the outreach program. Additionally, monetary donations will be accepted to acquire necessary items for the service.
The centre is located at 495, Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp, Santa Venera. For more information call 77115433 or visit www.lifenetwork.eu and www.lifelinemalta.eu.
The Diaconia Unit of the Church in Malta inaugurated its first thrift shop, named LOOP. The primary aim of this project is to give dignity to individuals facing challenging circumstances, while encouraging environmental consciousness and solidarity within the community.
The shop, which is situated in Melita Street in Valletta, corner with the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Republic Street, offers a wide array of second-hand clothing and accessories at discounted prices. The clothes which are donated to the shop are thoroughly inspected by volunteers before being sent to LOOP’s laundry facility in Kalkara.
During the project’s inauguration and blessing, Mgr Charles Cordina, the Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia, emphasized the profound impact of every purchase made from this shop. Such transactions not only bestow dignity upon those benefiting from the project but also contribute to reducing the pollution caused by excessive clothing production. Mgr. Cordina underlined that while everyone can purchase these clothes, the opportunity to do so at reduced prices is particularly significant for those in need and who are supported by the parishes.
Sina Bugeja, the Coordinator of LOOP, said parish priests are amongst the persons in Maltese society who are most likely to meet individuals in need. She stressed that this is one of the reasons why they ought to be given all the support necessary for them to help those in need within their parishes.
The President of the College of Parish Priests, Fr Mario Mangion, said that the thrift shop is yet another significant Church project that helps social work within the parishes and grants dignity to individuals in need. He emphasised that the initiatives undertaken by LOOP address effectively the daily needs encountered by priests and volunteers in the parishes. Fr Mario further highlighted that the shop stands as a testament to the generosity of the Maltese people who constantly support those who are suffering, ensuring they are never left to face their challenges alone.
The Loop shop is open every day from Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 1:30pm. Individuals interested in contributing as volunteers to this project or other social initiatives managed by the Diaconia Unit can get involved by visiting djakonija.org/join or sending a message to +356 79795254.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi inaugurated and blessed Casa Fratelli Tutti, a house which welcomes priests from poor countries who wish to read for a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology within the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta. The aim of Casa Fratelli Tutti is for the Church in Malta and the University to provide foreign priests with the opportunity to continue their studies in Malta, despite the financial and cultural challenges they may face. Currently, there are five priests from Nigeria and Zimbabwe residing in the house.
Casa Fratelli Tutti is located at the entrance to the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtù in Rabat and consists of five bedrooms, a kitchen, a chapel and a living room where the priests can spend their free time together. An agreement signed by the Archdiocese of Malta and the Faculty of Theology stipulates that the house will be used by the Faculty of Theology for this pastoral and missionary purpose for a period of 15 years. Present at the house’s inauguration were officials from the Ministry of Education, lecturers from the Faculty, student residents, as well as benefactors and collaborators.
Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi said that Casa Fratelli Tutti is based on what Pope Francis wishes the Church to be, that is, a witness to the Church that welcomes. He emphasised that this house gives respect and dignity to these priests who came to Malta to be able to serve the Church in their home countries better. Their presence benefits the Church’s vision to weave bonds of unity in Christ as one Church.
The Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Fr Stefan Attard, stated that through this project, the Faculty is tangibly assisting priests who will offer a better service to the Church and society back in their home countries. He also expressed his hope that, in a world full of challenges, Casa Fratelli Tutti will continue to foster fraternity, social dialogue and solidarity in a practical way. He expressed his gratitude to all benefactors and collaborators who made this project and its desired outcome possible.
The name of the house is inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, ‘Fratelli Tutti’, which addresses fraternity and social friendship. Anyone wishing to offer support may contact the Faculty of Theology at [email protected].
