Homily by Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi
Victory Day is a cherished day of celebration for our country. Together with the Church throughout the world, today we celebrate the feast of the birth of Our Lady, but this is also a feast that has a particular significance for us Maltese. Today, the Maltese people commemorate events that shaped our national identity, moments in which our forefathers recognised God’s protection and thanked Our Lady for her maternal intercession. Today we commemorate the victories in the three Sieges of Malta.
However, today’s feast is not merely a remembrance of past victories. It is an invitation to ask a question that touches the conscience of each and every one of us: what are the victories that Malta is called to strive for today? History reminds us of yesterday’s victories. Our conscience must recognise the victories that we need to work for today and in the years to come. Today’s victories are not against some foreign enemy laying siege to our country, but victories within Maltese society, victories that we must achieve through the choices we make in our lives. Our aim is not to point fingers at others, but to look at ourselves and reflect – on an individual level, as a Church, and as a nation – and take the necessary steps.
The victory of life over the culture of death
The first victory that we must never cease pursuing is the victory of life over the culture of death. This is particularly relevant as we celebrate the feast of Mary’s birth, a feast so strongly connected with life, reminding us that every human life must be welcomed, protected and loved.
Defending life, and especially the lives of those who are vulnerable and dependent, is basic ethics.
Human life is not our property, nor is it an object the value of which depends on age, health, productivity or convenience. It is God’s first gift, given to us so that we may protect and love it, and we do this by safeguarding life from conception to its natural end.
Defending life, and especially the lives of those who are vulnerable and dependent, is basic ethics. When a society begins to decide that certain lives are worth less than others or makes the value of human life dependent on what people happen to think at a particular time, it has already declared itself defeated.
The victory of truth over lies
Another victory is the victory of truth over lies. We have never had as many means of communication as we do today; and yet, it has never seemed so difficult to recognise the truth, and to distinguish between what is true and what is false.
It is truly a great defeat when lying becomes a way of life, and perjury becomes a normal practice.
It is truly a great defeat when lying becomes a way of life, and perjury becomes a normal practice. We are called to be witnesses to the truth, not because the truth is always easy, but because only the truth can truly set us free.
Our country needs women and men who love truth more than popularity, who seek what is right rather than what is convenient, and who understand that trust is built not through beautiful-sounding words but through honesty.
The victory of integrity over corruption
Another victory that we must always strive for in our country is that of integrity over “the scourge of corruption” (the words of Pope Leo XIV – 17 April 2026) – the corruption which erodes the moral fibre of society. Integrity requires us to act according to what is right, even when this means going against the tide. It requires us not to make money our false god, or bribe people whenever it suits us. We must always remember: corruption does not become wrong the moment it is exposed; it is wrong when it is committed, and wherever it is committed, even if it remains hidden.
Integrity helps us fight against the web of organised crime which, through its intrigues, subverts justice.
We must truly work hard for the victory of integrity which is the foundation of a just society. It requires that personal interest not be placed before the common good, that public service not be turned into personal gain, and that conscience not be sold for the sake of convenience. Integrity helps us fight against the web of organised crime which, through its intrigues, subverts justice.
The victory of care for creation over environmental destruction
Another crucial victory that we must work for is the victory of caring for creation over environmental destruction – an assault that has battered our islands. Creation is the first book through which God speaks to us. The beauty of the countryside, valleys and sea reflects the wisdom and goodness of the Creator.
There will be no victory if our children have to breathe polluted air instead of clean air.
Caring for the environment is a very great and urgent responsibility that rests upon our shoulders. The land does not belong to us alone; it is a gift that we have received and that we must pass on responsibly to those who will come after us. Future generations have the right to inherit a country that we have not disfigured with irreversible damage because of our choices, but one that is more beautiful, healthier and more sustainable. There will be no victory if our children have to breathe polluted air instead of clean air.
The victory of the vulnerable over their marginalisation
Another victory that we must strive for is the victory of the progress of vulnerable people over their marginalisation. The true measure of a country is not merely how much wealth it produces, but how much humanity it shows towards every person, especially the vulnerable and the weak, irrespective of whether they are Maltese or foreigners. The strength of a society is not measured by the luxury enjoyed by some of its members, but by the progress of its weakest.
The strength of a society is not measured by the luxury enjoyed by some of its members, but by the progress of its weakest.
We must work to ensure that vulnerable people receive the care and support they need, and are not neglected, excluded or pushed to the margins of society. We must remember that every crisis — such as the power outages we often experienced in recent months — affects the vulnerable most severely. We must build a society that cherishes inclusion, solidarity, compassion and social responsibility, especially towards those who are most at risk of being ignored.
Mother of true victory
The title “Our Lady of Victories” does not celebrate war. Mary’s greatest victory did not take place on a battlefield. It happened in Nazareth when she answered the angel: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). And it continued beneath the Cross, where she remained standing and faithful when everything seemed lost. This is the victory that the Gospel offers us: the victory of love over hatred, of truth over deceit, of justice over selfishness, of peace over conflict, of hope over despair, and of life over death.
On this national feast, we pray to the Lord to grant wisdom to those entrusted with the responsibility of leadership, strengthen within us our commitment to safeguard every human life, make us witnesses to the truth, purify public and social life through integrity and honesty, help us to care for our common home, and enable us to support vulnerable people.
On Victory Day, may we remember that we move towards our vision for the years ahead through the victories we achieve today, by recognising how to live out our values and make the choices that truly build us as a society, so that light may triumph over darkness.
✠ Joseph Galea-Curmi
Auxiliary Bishop of Malta
