In preparation for the Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, we ought to ask ourselves whether we respect and live in harmony with creation, as well as whether we exercise the gifts we received in the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, where we received the fullness of the Holy Spirit of the Lord.

We need to allow the Spirit to lead us in the second year of the ecclesial process of One Church, One Journey, that was launched at the last Diocesan Assembly with the theme A Church that listens is a Church that welcomes, and that is in line with the synodal journey leading to the Synod of Bishops that will be held in 2023.

As a Church, throughout this forthcoming year we need to listen to Jesus by being closer to others, including those who  may feel hurt. This is a challenge, but at the same time it is an opportunity for the Church, to seek the face of Jesus in the heart of each of our brothers and sisters, especially the marginalised. We encourage you to participate and encourage others to participate in this process in order to achieve the purpose of the process of ecclesial renewal that we are carrying out as a Church in Malta, as well as in the journey of synodality that is taking place in the Universal Church.