Archbishop’s Seminary, Tal-Virtù
20th April 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In the Gospel of John, we find these words: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10,10). This is also the mission of the Church. Our Lord founded the Church and continues to sustain it so that it will give life to human beings.
Inscribed in their own nature by the Creator, human beings have a thirst for life, for joy and for communion. Human beings desire love, a possibility for growth, respect for their dignity and freedom, and an appreciation of their own personal gifts and talents.
The mission of the Church throughout the ages has been to respond to these yearnings according to the life, teachings and example of Our Lord Jesus Christ. For many centuries, the Church discovered the mission of education to be a privileged way to satisfy these needs, besides being a major contribution to society.
The Church has been engaged in education for centuries, even in our islands. For the same reason even today, the Church chose to support the education reform with a great sense of responsibility. In collaboration with state and independent schools, the reform seeks to achieve the best interest of children.
Despite being a burden on the Church and its various institutes, it was with joy and enthusiasm that the Church replied to this call. Investing once more in education, it is the Church’s hope that it will continue to contribute to society in general, and to parents and families, in particular.
The Diocese’s direct involvement in this reform is through the Seminary which is run by the Diocese. The other Church schools, run by the different Religious Orders, both male and female, have given also their contribution to the reform. I would like to thank all those who made possible this investment in the education of our children.
May the Lord bless you all and give you the grace to continue in this service to our children, to their families and to the whole of society.
+ PAUL CREMONA O.P.
Archbishop of Malta