News

Pope to Indonesian authorities: ‘Interreligious dialogue fosters mutual respect’

04/09/2024

As he meets with Indonesia’s civil authorities in Jakarta, Pope Francis upholds the nation’s motto of “Unity in Diversity,” and promises the Catholic Church’s efforts to support interreligious dialogue and civil harmony.

Pope Francis delivered his first speech on Indonesian soil on Wednesday as he met with the country’s authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps at the Istana Negara presidential palace in Jakarta… Read more »

“We are grateful for the work of Rev. Anġ”

02/09/2024

Fr Cyril Axelrod (it-tieni mix-xellug) flimkien ma’ Dun Anġ Seychell (It-tielet mix-xellug). Nota ta’ apprezzament minn Dun Martin Micallef

Dun Anġ Seychell kien saċerdot intelliġenti, eżemplari u b’kuxjenza soċjali kbira li dehret l‑aktar meta għażel li jiftaħ id‑dar tiegħu stess biex jospita persuni b’diżabilità. Hu xtaq joffri lil dawn il‑persuni l‑opportunità li jgħixu f’dar fil‑komunità fejn jistgħu jgħixu ħajja indipendenti li tirrispetta d‑drittijiet u d‑dinjità tagħhom. Dun Anġ irnexxielu li minn dar waħda jiftaħ erbat idjar f’raħal twelidu fiż‑Żejtun… Read more »

Pope Francis leaves today for his longest Apostolic Journey

02/09/2024

On Sunday 1 September, the eve of his 45th Apostolic Journey abroad, Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. He entrusted to her his upcoming apostolic journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.

Following the prayer in the Basilica, he returned to the Vatican. The Holy See Press Office announced that this will be the longest journey of his pontificate, spanning from 2-13 September… Read more »

A celebration of God’s decision to create

01/09/2024

As the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, Indian Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, Chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences’ Office of Human Development, reflects on the importance of praising God for His marvellous gift of Creation.

The World Day of Prayer for Creation takes place each year on September 1. Motivated by the rich tradition of the Eastern Church, this is both a moment to celebrate God’s loving decision to create, and a moment to reflect on how we have stewarded the great gift of creation… Read more »

Malta’s cost of living: Caritas sets minimum threshold for families at €19,153 annually

28/08/2024

Caritas Malta has released new data outlining the minimum income required for a family to maintain a ‘decent life’ in Malta. According to the latest figures, a family of four – comprising two adults and two children – needs at least €19,153 per year to cover basic living expenses.

The fourth edition of the Minimum Essential Budget for a Decent Living (MEBDL) for 2024 provides crucial insights into the financial requirements for various household types to maintain a basic standard of living… Read more »

ACTS Teens Boot Camp 2024: WANTED

Around 180 participants attend the annual 4-day live-in

30/08/2024

Last week, ACTS Teens, a segment of Youth Fellowship, hosted its annual Boot Camp at St. Paul’s Missionary College in Rabat. This 4-day live-in, designed for teens aged 13-17, brought together nearly 180 participants, guided by a team of 60 youth leaders.

This year’s camp embraced a Wild West theme under the slogan ‘Wanted,’ symbolizing God’s desire to know and love each individual, drawing them closer to His heart… Read more »

Church entities demand immediate release of detained Ethiopian nationals

29/08/2024

Fr Anton D’Amato, Director Migrants Commission

The Ethiopian nationals who are being detained and facing deportation after having lived and worked legally in Malta for years should be released immediately, the Migrants Commission, the Justice and Peace Commission and JRS Malta urged the authorities.

The two commissions, which form part of the Archdiocese of Malta, and JRS Malta are wholeheartedly condemning the recent arrest of several Ethiopian nationals, who were rounded up, detained and told they will be sent back to Ethiopia… Read more »

Pope urges Bishops to keep hope alive amidst escalating Middle East tension

28/08/2024

Pope Francis on Wednesday again expressed his deep concern over the intensifying tensions in the Middle East, warning how these often escalate into open conflicts and war.

His words came as Palestinian officials said that at least nine people were killed in Israeli raids across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday and observers express fears of a wider war.

Addressing participants of the Latin Episcopal Conference of the Arabic Regions (CELRA) who are meeting in Rome for their plenary assembly, in his prepared remarks the Pope warned that “the conflict, instead of finding a fair solution, seems to be becoming chronic, with the risk of spreading and igniting the entire region.”

“The conflict [in the Holy Land], instead of finding a fair solution, seems to be becoming chronic, with the risk of spreading and igniting the entire region.”

The situation, the Holy Father noted, has resulted in countless deaths, massive destruction, and widespread suffering, fostering sentiments of hatred and resentment that could lead to future tragedies… Read more »

Polish candidates visiting the SDC in Malta

28/08/2024

On Sunday 25th August 2024, Marcel and Antoni, two Candidates from the SDC Centre of Poznań (Poland), started a two-week visit in Malta where they will be meeting with Members and Candidates in the Delegation of Malta.  During their visit, they shall visit the SDC General House and various Centres around the country. May this visit help them grow more in their understanding and love towards the SDC vocation! … Read more »

Pope at Audience: World must heed cries of migrants dying in deserts and seas

28/08/2024   Saint Peter's Square, the Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Today, I will postpone the usual catechesis and I would like to pause with you to think about the people who – even at this moment – are crossing seas and deserts to reach a land where they can live in peace and safety.

Sea and desert: these two words return in many testimonies I receive, both on the part of migrants, and of people who are engaged in coming to their aid… Read more »