News from the Church in Malta
Exploded House in Borodyanka, Ukraine – Photo by Алесь Усцінаў
Speaking at the end of his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in the Holy Land and Ukraine.
“Please, do not forget to pray for those suffering the terrible consequences of violence and war,” he said.
“Let us pray especially for martyred Ukraine and for the populations of Palestine and Israel… Read more »
Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 1. Introduction: safeguarding the heart
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
Today I would like to introduce a cycle of catechesis – a new cycle – on the theme of vices and virtues. And we can start right from the beginning of the Bible, where the Book of Genesis, through the account of the progenitors, presents the dynamic of evil and temptation… Read more »
Every year, on the 1st of January, the Holy Father marks the World Day of Peace with a special message encouraging all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. The theme chosen for 2024 is ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace’.
On the 1st of January itself or in the days leading up to this important day, the Justice and Peace Commission invites all families, communities, churches and parishes to gather for a moment of prayer, reflection or silent adoration to invoke the gift of peace for the whole world, especially for those people who are suffering most because of ongoing conflicts… Read more »
Message by Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna
On this holy Christmas night, we remember the beautiful message delivered by the angels to the shepherds of Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on Earth” (Lk 2:14). Peace on Earth for those who God truly loves; peace on Earth for all those of good will.
This year, as we think of and gaze upon the Holy Land, let us pray eagerly for peace and mourn for the thousands of victims of man’s cruelty… Read more »
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Follow today’s Mass readings from here.
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things.
I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart… Read more »
Between the 26th December 2023 and the 3rd January 2024, the Archbishop’s Curia, including the Marriage Office in Floriana, will be closed all day. The Ecclesiastical Tribunal in Valletta will be closed between the 26th December 2023 and 4th January 2024.
The Curia reopens on Thursday, 4th January 2024. The Ecclesiastical Tribunal reopens on Friday, 5th January 2024. Read more »
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Pope Francis’s Christmas greetings to the Curia resonated with the spirit of the ongoing Synodal process, which asks the Church to listen, discern, and walk together with the faithful so that everyone can participate in the dynamism of missionary communion.
Addressing members of the Roman Curia in the Vatican on Thursday morning, the Pope began his address highlighting the importance of listening.
Listening with the heart
He drew attention to the exemplary model of the Virgin Mary, and urged those present to listen not only with their ears but with their hearts, echoing the wisdom of Saint Benedict who speaks of listening with “the ear of your heart.”
Mary’s open-hearted reception of the angel’s message, he said, serves as a reminder that true listening involves an interior openness that goes beyond mere exchange of information “because more important than any precept is our need to enter into a relationship with God by accepting the gift of the love that he comes to bring us.“
“More important than any precept is our need to enter into a relationship with God by accepting the gift of the love that he comes to bring us.”
The Pope went on to emphasize the significance of humility in listening and said, “There is no better way to listen than ‘on our knees’.”
This humble posture, he explained, shows a willingness to set aside preconceived notions and prejudices, allowing us to truly understand the desires and needs of others… Read more »
Fil-jiem li għaddew il-Kummissjoni Djoċesana Tfal organizzat attività djoċesana għat-tfal kollha bl-isem: ‘Ħolqa ma’ Ħolqa ma’ Marija’ fil-Knisja Parrokkjali ta’ San Ġuzepp, il-Kalkara.
Bl-iskop prinċipali kien li tfal minn kull parroċċa jiltaqgħu flimkien fil-preżenza tal-Arċisqof Scicluna, din is-sena saret it-talba tar-rużarju b’differenza. Ħames kummissjonijiet tat-tfal minn parroċċi diversi, ħadu ħsieb l-animazzjoni tal-ħames misteri tal-ferħ. Wara kull rappreżentazzjoni, it-tfal stess mexxew it-talba tas-Sliema u l-Qaddisa, fejn qabel kull waħda inqrat intenzjoni partikolari… Read more »
On the occasion of the International Migrants Day celebrated on 18 December 2023, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) expressed some underlying principles that should guide the ongoing trilogue negotiations on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
These principles should orient the policy makers to put in place legislations and mechanisms that ensure a fair, just and humane treatment of every regular or irregular migrant or asylum seeker arriving at EU borders, at any stage of procedures… Read more »
With the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by Pope Francis, it will be possible to bless same-sex couples but without any type of ritualization or offering the impression of a marriage. The doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union.
When two people request a blessing, even if their situation as a couple is “irregular,” it will be possible for the ordained minister to consent… Read more »
