Archbishop Charles Scicluna delivering his speech at the launch of the book ‘Casa Manresa’ authored by Rev. Dr Nicholas Doublet. The launch was held at the Archbishop’s Curia in Floriana.
Photo: Archdiocese of Malta – Ian Noel Pace

Message by Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna

Thank you for coming, for this launch.

Thank you, Fr Doublet, for this initiative.

Thank you to the speakers, thank you very much for your work in the book.

Thank you, Jacob for the beautiful music.

This has become the seat of government. So, from a retreat house to a place of formation, to a seat of government.

But there is a reply, serving the Gospel, being good news, to our country, to the Mediterranean.

We owe a lot to the Jesuits, and we need to recognize our indebtedness to the Society of Jesus.

But we also are indebted to a host of people who believed in the potential of this place. I am very, very privileged to have people around me that appreciate this building, love this fabric, but also whatever it contains: the beauty of the arts, the profound wisdom of the archives, and also the daily hustle and bustle of government in a changing world.

I would like to pay tribute to Monsignor Mercieca, my predecessor, who decided to move the seminary to Tal-Virtù, in 1977/78, and also the minor seminary. And I would like also to pay tribute to his heroic patience, when this building was the target of violence, because this is also part of the history of this building, on the 28th September 1984.

We will not forget, not in anger, but so that these things may not happen again.

May this place that has also seen not only the glory of culture and wisdom but has also tasted the tragedy of violence and arrogance, remain a beacon of reasonableness, dialogue and friendship.

Thank you.

✠ Charles Jude Scicluna
    Archbishop of Malta