Archbishop Charles Scicluna was welcomed by students, teachers, and the school administration at St Joseph Senior School in Sliema during his pastoral visit.
During the visit, he spoke with the students during a question-and-answer session. One of the students asked what advice he would give to teenagers who wish to become authentic Christians and follow Jesus. He encouraged them to “take care of each other. Start with the person sitting next to you.” He emphasised that Christian love is not abstract but lived in everyday relationships by showing respect, faithfulness, keeping one’s word, and being trustworthy and loyal in friendship.
The Archbishop invited the students to deepen their relationship with Jesus by meeting him in the Scriptures, in the Eucharist, in the poor and in those who suffer, and to think about moments of service, such as voluntary work, visiting the sick, or being close to those struggling in life, as opportunities of encounter with Jesus. He encouraged the students to live their faith actively, telling them: “You are the future, but you are also the present. Never think of yourself as the future of the Church. You are the present of the Church.”
At the end of his visit, the Archbishop gave his blessing to the school and thanked all teachers and staff for their dedication to the formation and education of young people.
This visit was organised by the Secretariat for Catholic Education.
