At the Catholic Action Headquarters, Newsbook Malta‘s Gabriel Lia met up with Il-Leħen editor Pio Dalli, whose 52-year journalistic career has culminated in overseeing this weekly Sunday publication.
Dalli explained that this Catholic-inspired newspaper, run by Catholic Action, aims to disseminate ethical principles whilst considering diverse viewpoints. It guides readers towards forming their own conclusions, albeit within the framework of Church teachings.
The publication features thoroughly researched articles, news, daily reflections and lighter content, including crossword puzzles and humorous segments.
One particularly engaging feature is a series of reflections by a Poor Clare nun, presented as dialogues between the sister and Jesus. As Dalli notes, these conversations represent spirituality in its most accessible form, eschewing heavy theology in favour of personal connection.
“Far from being a publication for the elderly, many of our readers and contributors are young people,” Dalli said.
A champion of the Maltese language
Joe Rossi, a former administrator who has been involved with Catholic Action since childhood, shared the newspaper’s origins. Following the First World War, amid spreading ideologies, Archbishop Mauro Caruana established a diocesan council to disseminate Church teachings. Notably, whilst the Church primarily communicated in Italian at the time, Il-Leħen’s Maltese-language publication played a crucial role in promoting the native tongue.
Founded by decree on 17 July 1928, with its first issue appearing that September, Il-Leħen holds the distinction of being Malta’s oldest continuously published newspaper. Despite nearly closing in 1932, Catholic Action’s intervention ensured its survival.
Recently renamed from ‘Leħen is-Sewwa’ to ‘Il-Leħen’, the change reflects its commitment to ideological pluralism whilst maintaining its guiding voice.
The power of volunteers
Current administrator Susanne Attard highlighted the crucial role of volunteers who distribute the newspaper to subscribers’ homes. Those interested in subscribing can contact [email protected]. The publication is available both digitally and at newsstands.
Attard concluded by extending festive wishes to all readers of Il-Leħen, Newsbook Malta and RTK103 followers who share in the Church’s teachings.
By Gabriel Lia
Source: Newsbook.com.mt