Archbishop Paul Cremona OP will lead the National Way of the Cross on Wednesday 4th April at 8pm. The theme selected for this year is ‘Jesus and the Refugee on the Way of the Cross’.
On the Archbishop’s request, the Way of the Cross, which normally takes place in locations where people are undergoing some form of suffering, will this year commence at the Marsa Open Centre, which is the residence of many immigrants who are separated from their families, after having to leave their countries due to various reasons.
The Way of the Cross will end on the parvis of the Marsa Parish Church (Holy Trinity), where some immigrants will sing a hymn, prior to a Sacramental Blessing by the Archbishop. Since the residents who live at the Marsa Open Centre all pertain to different religious beliefs, before the commencement of the Way of the Cross, the Archbishop will stop for a moment of prayer at the Centre, together with the Imam and the Rector of the Coptic Christians. As a gesture of solidarity, the Archbishop will present 500 ‘qaghaq tal-Appostli’ (traditional bread for Holy Week) to the immigrants.
The Way of the Cross consists of 14 stations; the third will pause in front of the Marsa cross, which place has connections with the life of St George Preca. The text for the Way of the Cross was written by Fr Alfred Vella, Director of the Emigrants Commissions. Fr Vella regularly meets with the realities that the immigrants face. Each station relates the story of a particular refugee or group of refugees; following a reflection inspired by this reality, there will be some time of prayer.
The Way of the Cross is organized by RTK Radio, in collaboration with the Pastoral Secretariat of the Archdiocese of Malta. The event will be aired ‘live’ on RTK Radio (103 FM Stereo).
CLICK HERE to download the text of the Via Crucis, written by Fr Alfred Vella.