• mt
  • en

Five blessings for our country

For 2024, the Bishops of Malta and Gozo are urging, as a country and as Christians, we ought to reflect on the five gifts from the Lord that the national poet Dun Karm Psaila reminds us of in the Maltese Anthem: sound judgement, mercy, health, unity and peace. This reflection is particularly significant as Malta is celebrating two important anniversaries this year: 60 years of independence and 50 years of the republic. It is the wish of the Bishops that these five values form the foundation of Maltese society and continue to strengthen what already unites us.

These five blessings serve as the foundational pillars of the Christian Faith. By embracing these values, people are guided toward a path that reflects the essence of Christian teachings, promoting a community built on principles of faith and goodwill.

Teachings

Reflections

Pastoral Letter

Students’ Resources

Lil din I-art ħelwa,
I-Omm li tatna isimha,
Ħares, Mulej,
kif dejjem Int ħarist:
Ftakar li lilha
bil-oħla dawl libbist.
Agħti, kbir Alla,
id-dehen lil min jaħkimha,
Rodd il-ħniena lis-sid,
saħħa ‘l-ħaddiem:
Seddaq il-għaqda
fil-Maltin u s-sliem.

Dun Karm Psaila

Information about the five blessings from the Christian faith

  • Wisdom is regarded as a gift from God in Christianity, and it involves making choices that align with God’s will.
  • Understanding, in a Christian context, is the ability to comprehend and apply divine truths.
  • Seeking God’s wisdom and understanding through prayer and scripture is central to the Christian faith.
  • Wisdom and understanding can lead to a deeper relationship with God and guide moral decision-making.
  • Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
  • Mercy is a fundamental attribute of God in Christian theology, emphasizing His compassion and forgiveness.
  • Christians are called to show mercy to others, reflecting God’s love and forgiveness.
  • The parable of the Good Samaritan exemplifies the Christian call to extend mercy to all, regardless of differences.
  • Mercy is tied to the concept of redemption and the belief in God’s forgiveness for human sins.
  • Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
  • Christian faith often draws strength from God, believing that His power is made perfect in human weakness.
  • Strength in Christianity involves relying on God’s grace and trusting in His providence.
  • The Bible frequently encourages believers to be strong and courageous in facing challenges.
  • Christian strength is rooted in faith, prayer, and the belief in God’s ability to provide strength.
  • Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
  •  
  • Unity is an essential concept in Christianity, reflecting the oneness of believers in Christ.
  • Christians are called to strive for unity within the Church, emphasizing the importance of love and peace.
  • Unity among believers is seen as a testimony to the world of God’s transformative power.
  • The “Body of Christ” concept underscores all believers’ interconnectedness.
  • Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
  •  
  • Peace is a central theme in the Christian faith, symbolizing reconciliation with God through Christ.
  • The “peace of Christ” is considered a gift transcending worldly understanding.
  • Christians are called to be peacemakers, resolving conflicts and promoting reconciliation.
  • Peace in Christianity reflects the hope of a future where all suffering and strife will cease.
  • John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

Reflections for Lent 2024​


My first reflection is about the gift of sound judgement. Sound judgement is the ability one has to understand, recognise and decide to choose what is right and avoid what is wrong; that is actual sound judgement.Read more »

In this second reflection, I would like us to stop and think about the beautiful gift of mercy. We could say that mercy is the essence of these five gifts because mercy is a great gift of God through which we truly resemble our Creator. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48) “who makes the sun shine on the evil as well as on the good, and sends rain on the just as well as on the unjust” (Mt 5:45). Read more »

In my third reflection during this Lent, I wish that we would think a little about the gift of health. When we think of health, we immediately think of physical health, but there is also psychological health and spiritual health. Read more »

In my fourth Lenten reflection, I wish to reflect on the gift of unity. Unity is the harmony between us; it results from our mutual respect and decision to work together and pull the same rope. Unity is the health of each one of us. Read more »

In my fifth reflection during this Lent, I wish that we would stop to remember and think about the beautiful gift of serenity, or of peace. Let us remember that we are getting closer to Good Friday and the Lord’s Easter and let us also remember that the greeting of the Risen Lord is one: “Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:19). Read more »

The Archbishop reflects: everything starts from peace in the heart

For 2024, the Bishops of Malta and Gozo are proposing that as a country, and as Christians, we ought to reflect on the five gifts of God that Dun Karm Psaila, the national poet, reminds us of in Malta’s national anthem: sound judgement, mercy, health, unity and peace. This reflection is particularly significant as this year, Malta celebrates 60 years of independence and 50 years as a republic… Read more »

Read More »

Pastoral Letter for Lent 2024

For this year’s Lent, we Bishops are proposing that as a country, and as Christians, we ought to reflect on the five gifts of God that Dun Karm Psaila, the national poet, reminds us of in Malta’s national anthem: sound judgement, mercy, health, unity and peace… Read more »

Dun Karm’s prayer for our country

Today, I wish to offer my prayer and extend my wishes for a holy Christmas by expressing thoughts inspired by the national poet Dun Karm Psaila, who chose a beautiful prayer to God as the national anthem. Read more »

Copy link
CopyCopied