Rev. Dr Martin Micallef, editor of Melita Theologica, is pleased to inform that Issue 70.2 of the peer-reviewed journal has just been published. Featuring in this issue are five contributions on the development of the term ‘quċċija’, the episcopate and pastoral letters of Archbishop Mauro Caruana, the role of the school and the parish in the education for the faith in children, the first three verses of the Book of Revelation, and the interplay between footnotes and endnotes… Read more »

Pope Francis has repeatedly appealed that the Covid-19 vaccine be available to everyone. In fact, during his Christmas Urbi et Orbi discourse, he said, “In this time of darkness and uncertainty regarding the pandemic, various lights of hope appear, such as the discovery of vaccines. But for these lights to illuminate and bring hope to all, they need to be available to all.”

What exactly are the prospects for the availability of this vaccine in Africa? … Read more »

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for January 2021, which focuses on human fraternity, and calls for people of different religions, cultures, traditions, and beliefs to return to the essential: love of neighbour.

The Pope Video for January, the first of 2021, was released on Tuesday with the prayer intention that Pope Francis is entrusting to the entire Catholic Church through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (which includes the Eucharistic Youth Movement – EYM)… Read more »

Dear brothers and sisters, good afternoon!

On this second Sunday after Christmas, the Word of God does not offer us an episode from the life of Jesus, but rather it tells us about Him before He was born. It takes us back to reveal something about Jesus before He came among us. It does so especially in the prologue of the Gospel of John, which begins: “In the beginning was the Word” (Jn 1:1). In the beginning: are the first words of the Bible, the same words with which the creation account begins: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1)… Read more »

Id-Dar tal-Providenza would like to thank the general public for its outstanding generosity in the annual Festa ta’ Ġenerożità fundraising marathon organised on New Year’s Day. These donations will be the lifeline support which the Home needs for it to continue providing professional services to the residents especially during these trying times.

In line with approved policies of the Archdiocese of Malta, cash donations above €5,000 and other donations and pledges above €10,000 from individuals and companies are subject to a vetting process… Read more »

“I am moved in no small way with the generosity and solidarity shown by the Maltese people that notwithstanding everything that is going on handed a beautiful gift of a record €2,531,540 to Dar tal-Providenza.” This was stated by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home, who from his office in Siġġiewi followed the proceedings, handled incoming telephone calls, and made a number of interventions using Skype… Read more »

Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, was celebrated on the morning of New Year’s Day by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, standing in for Pope Francis, who is suffering a painful attack of sciatica.

In his homily, which was read by Cardinal Parolin, Pope Francis focused on three words from the day’s readings: to bless, to be born, and to find, which he said “find their fulfillment in the Mother of God.”

To bless

Beginning with the first Reading, where God commands Moses to bless the people, Pope Francis writes, “This is no pious exhortation: it is a specific request.” We need to be blessed, the Pope said; and at Christmas, we receive “not only the words of blessing, but the blessing itself: Jesus is Himself the blessing of the Father.”

Whereas Jesus is the blessing, Mary is blessed through grace, and “in this way, brings us God’s blessing… Read more »

1. At the dawn of a new year, I extend cordial greetings to Heads of State and Government, leaders of International Organizations, spiritual leaders and followers of the different religions, and to men and women of goodwill. To all I offer my best wishes that the coming year will enable humanity to advance on the path of fraternity, justice and peace between individuals, communities, peoples and nations… Read more »