Knisja ta’ l-Erwieħ ~ Church of the Resurrection of Christ

Warm Thanks

2008-09-21T17:51:00.004+02:00

This Saturday 27th September there will be a Thanksgiving Mass presided by Fr Jesmond Manicaro on the termination of his pastoral work at our church. The Mass will start at 6:15pm and our presence as a community will definitely be appreciated by Fr Jesmond.

God's Call

2008-09-01T09:17:00.003+02:00

Last Saturday and Sunday, Fr Jesmond announced all the faithful attending our community that His Grace Mgr Cremona requested him to carry out his pastoral care and liturgical duties in another community, that of Cospicua. In a sincere heartfelt announcement Fr Jesmond said that he will keep on serving our community until Sunday 7th September as from Monday 8th he will be celebrating regular Mass in Cospicua Parish Church.

As we all thank him for this wonderful spiritual experience throughout the five years he spent with us, we promise him all our support and prayers.

A Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated. Date and time to be announced.

10 Interesting Facts about St Paul

2008-07-22T16:34:00.002+02:00

1. Paul was from the Roman city of Tarsus, located in what is today southern Turkey.(Acts of the Apostles 21:39)

2. Paul was not physically impressive, nor was he a very good speaker. (1 Corinthians 2:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6)

3. Paul had a sister and a nephew. (Acts of the Apostles 23:16)

4. Paul was educated in Jerusalem under the famous Jewish teacher Gamaliel. (Acts of the Apostles 22:3)

5. Paul was a Pharisee (Acts of the Apostles 26:5) and a tentmaker. (Acts of the Apostles 18:3)

6. Paul was a Roman citizen from a wealthy family. (Acts of the Apostles 22:25–28)

7. Paul participated in the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. (Acts of the Apostles 7:58)

8. Paul was the most prominent apostle in the early Church because he was so effective at forming Christian communities.

9. Although Paul wrote the most books of the New Testament, Luke, who only wrote two books, still gets the prize for writing more words than any other writer in the New Testament.

10. Paul’s conversion is among the most well-known.

Happy Anniversary

2008-07-19T20:52:00.004+02:00

This week Mgr Albert Cuschieri celebrated his 47th anniversary from his ordination to the priesthood. Mgr Albert was ordained at the Basilica Sant Apostoli in Rome. He served as a priest for more than 45 years in the United States of America. Now he is giving invaluable service in our community. We all appreciate his sense of humour, spirituality, dedication and service.

Ad Multos Annos!

Youth Mass

2008-07-19T10:57:00.001+02:00

Maltese seminarian in concert!

2008-07-19T10:34:00.004+02:00

Robert Galea, the Maltese seminarian who is powerfully anointed in leading people into praise and worship, had the wonderful opportunity of singing twice in front of 200,000 people last night during the World Youth Day being held in Sydney. He wrote in his blog that it was just a surreal experience!

He will also be singing at today's Papal Mass between 7pm and 9pm followed by a sleep out under the stars at Southern Cross Precinct. Robert Galea is continuing his pastoral formation in Melbourne Australia and will be ordained a priest in 2010.

Click here for World Youth Day photos
Click here to view the World Youth Day Official Website
Click here to view Robert Galea's Official Website

Pauline Booklet

2008-07-19T10:05:00.005+02:00

In the coming weeks, the local Church is printing a booklet entitled Celebrazzjoni f'Gieh San Pawl, Appostlu tal-Gnus (meaning Celebration in honour of Saint Paul, The Apostle of People).

The booklet was arranged by Rev. Jesmond Manicaro and set on the very special progamme Sanctus Paulus Magister and other writings by Saint George Preca. The Sanctus Paulus Magister is performed by the Society of Christian Doctrine on January 25 since this society honours Apostle Paul as its founder. It sees in Saint Paul, a great of Apostle of Christ and a model to be imitated by everyone most especially by those who teach others.

There are also excerpts from Prekatorju, Renju tal-Grazzja, Orazzjoni tal-Qalb, Oratorju tal-Poplu Nisrani Kattoliku and Kantiku.

The booklet will soon be published even in English and Italian. Below, you can see the front and back cover of the booklet.

Prayers to St Paul

2008-07-08T19:56:00.003+02:00

Since, we are celebrating the Pauline Year, we thought these prayers would come useful and handy during one's quiet time or meditation sessions.

Prayer to St. Paul

O glorious St. Paul, who from a persecutor of Christianity, didst become a most ardent Apostle of zeal; and who to make known the Savior Jesus Christ unto the ends of the world didst suffer with joy imprisonment, scourgings, stonings, shipwrecks and persecutions of every kind, and in the end didst shed thy blood to the last drop, obtain for us the grace to receive, as favors of the Divine mercy, infirmities, tribulations, and misfortunes of the present life, so that the vicissitudes of this our exile will not render us cold in the service of God, but will render us always more faithful and more fervent.

V. Pray for us, Saint Paul the Apostle,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Let us pray

O God, Who hast taught the multitude of the Gentiles by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant unto us, we beseech Thee, that we who keep his memory sacred, may feel the might of his intercession before Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer Source:
Raccolta, The — A Manual of Indulgences by Sacred Penitentiary Apostolic, Benziger Brothers, Inc. , 1957

Litany of Saint Paul the Apostle

This litany was taken from that golden vein of old litanies, the Golden Manual, compiled from approved sources and published in 1851 by D & J Sadlier & Co. However, the Antiphon, Versicle and Response have been inserted and at the end the Collect of Jan 18 in place of a prayer to St Paul has been substituted.

Antiphon: You have proved me and known me: You have known my sitting down and my rising up.

V. The great Saint Paul, the vessel of election, is indeed worthy to be glorified:
R. For he also deserved to possess the twelfth throne.

Lord have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, Pray for us.
Saint Paul, Pray for us.
Apostle of the Gentiles, Pray for us.
Vessel of Election, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who was rapt to the third heaven, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who heard things not given to man to utter, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who knew nothing but Christ, and Him crucified, Pray for us.
St. Paul, whose love for Christ was stronger than death, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who wished to be dissolved and be with Christ, Pray for us.
St. Paul, whose zeal knew no bounds, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who made thyself all to all, to gain all to Christ, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who called thyself prisoner of Christ for us, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who was jealous of us, with the jealousy of God, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who glories only in the Cross of Christ, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who bore in thy body the mortification of Christ, Pray for us.
St. Paul, who exclaimed: With Christ I am nailed to the cross! Pray for us.
St. Paul, that we may awake and sin no more, Pray for us.
That we may not receive the grace of God in vain, Pray for us.
That we may walk in newness of life, Pray for us.
That we may work out our salvation with fear and trembling, Pray for us.
That we may put on the armor of God, Pray for us.
That we may stand against the deceits of the wicked one, Pray for us.
That we may stand fast to the last, Pray for us.
That we may press forward to the mark, Pray for us.
That we may win the crown, Pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us.

Let us pray.

O God, Who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant that we, who celebrate his memory, may by following his example be drawn unto Thee. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee livest and reignest in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.

Prayer Source:
Kyrie Eleison — Two Hundred Litanies by Benjamin Francis Musser O.F.M., The Magnificat Press, 1944

NEW CD!!!

2008-07-05T09:15:00.006+02:00

During this weekend you we all be able to get hold of the latest CD produced by Andrew Cauchi called Lilek Biss. Andrew gave us some CDs to be sold at our church where all income will help him to ease the expenses for his outreach journey to Sydney for the World Youth Day where his anointing talent in praise and worship will be used for the proclamation of Jesus' Gospel.

Lilek Biss is produced with a flow of praise and worship in mind, aimed at helping listeners enter into a prayer relationship with the creator. Featuring 10 original songs, including Libbisna bil-Qawwa co-writen with Robert Galea (who will be taking part in a concert in Sydney in the coming days) a re-vamped traditional hymn - O Qalb Ħanina and just one translated song - Ħobż tal-Ħajja - which Andrew says he's sure everyone would love to include in liturgical Celebrations.

Again, like in previous albums, Mario Cucciardi, who co-authored Imħabbtek and wrote the words to Int Qaddis, gave his valid contribution. Together with Fr Karm Debattista MSSP and Mario who supported the male vocals, this time Judy, Rebecca, Leah and Tamsin, Andrew's wife and three daughters did the female vocals.

"....Jekk għandi lilek O Ġesù għandi Kollox" the much awaited new version of this song with Tiziana Grech as main femaile vocalist is also included. There is also an additional note on the back cover written by Fr Jesmond.

The full list is as follows:

1. Fraħt meta qaluli
2. Qalbi tfawwar
3. Libbisna bil-Qawwa
4. Dak li trid
5. Għandi Kollox
6. O Qalb Ħanina
7. Ħobż tal-Ħajja
8. Imħabbtek
9. Lilek Biss Irrid
10. Imla ħajti bik
11. Int Qaddis
12. Alleluja, lilek biss

For those who are interested in buying a CD, it will be available in the sacristy at the price of Euro 12.

Commemorative Stamps

2008-07-01T21:58:00.002+02:00

In commemoration for the celebrations of the year of St. Paul, MaltaPost p.l.c. is issuing a set of stamps which reproduce titular statues of this apostle. The four titular statues reproduced on the stamps are found in Hal-Safi (€0.19), Munxar (€0.68), Rabat, Malta (€1.08) and in Valletta (€3.00).

The stamps, designed by Paul Psaila, have a face value of Euro 0.19 (Lm0.08c), Euro 0.68 (Lm0.29c), and Euro 1.08 (Lm0.46c). The set also incorporates a miniature sheet with a face value of Euro 3.00 (Lm1.29c). The stamps are 44.0 mm x 31.0 mm in size, with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.), while the miniature sheet is 120 mm x 86 mm in size, and the stamp size 44.0 mm x 31.0 mm, and perforation 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.). The stamps are offset printed on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper by Printex Limited, and are available in sheets of ten.

Pastoral Letter

2008-06-29T21:41:00.003+02:00

During this Sunday, Archbishop Paul Cremona and Bishop Mario Grech issued a pastoral letter on the ocassion of the Pauline Year entitled On the footsteps of St Paul where both bishops focused on the importance of Paul's mission on our island two thousand years ago. They also highlighted the need of a rediscovery of the Word of God in our nowadays life. A vision of a refreshing catechesis via our father in faith, Apostle Paul, leading us to a desire to know more of God was expressed in the message delived by the monsignor.

Here you can read the pastoral letter in English.

Salve Sancte Paule!

2008-06-29T21:27:00.007+02:00

Here you can see some of the photos of yesterday's official opening celebrations of the Pauline Year in Malta led by Archbishop Mgr. Cremona. Other photos are available in our photo gallery.

Pilgrims on the footsteps of the saint

2008-06-29T13:23:00.004+02:00

Yesterday evening during the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict inaugurated the Pauline Year at the Roman Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls where the remains of the Apostle have been kept for centuries. The Holy Father accompanied by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I walked in procession to the atrium where one could clearly sense an atmosphere of reverence and hear hymns to the saints in Latin as a subtle background. In front of the famous marble statue of St. Paul, they lit the candles that will remain burning during the entire Pauline year. The Holy Father and the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church walked together, side by side, preceeded by various priests of various denominations, through the Pauline Door which is situated on the left hand side of the Basilica's main door.

Upon their entry, Pope Benedict greeted some of the faithful in the Basilica who were attending the service under the strict surveillance of the Swiss Guards in their colourful uniforms. Both church leaders reached the presbyterium to venerate the sepulchre of the saint where the Holy Father in his red cape, incensed the closed sepulchre protected by glass panels.

During this intense solemn moment, many of those present could be seen praying and meditating on what the Pope had previously said in his homily referring to the Apostle as a person who has never looked for a superficial harmony but who regarded truth as too great to be sacrificed for an external success. The truth he had experienced in the encounter with the Risen Christ very much deserved the struggle, the persecution, the suffering. The chaplain of the Basilica also referred to the Apostle as "the best communicator".

Pope Benedict then reached the cathedra among the four majestic columns on the altar and the huge painting above, while the choir and cardinals sang hyms. Upon the beginning of the Vespers, the Holy Father officially greeted Patriarch Bartholomew I to whom the present applauded warmheartedly. The Pontiff referred to the Orthodox presence as the presence of the old civilisations to which Paul preached. He desribed their entrance into the Basilica as being together on the threshold as pilgrims on the footsteps of the Apostle of Gentiles.

Opening Ceremony

2008-06-28T18:30:00.002+02:00

As announced earlier, the opening ceremony of the Pauline Year will be taking place tonight in Mdina starting at 7:30pm with moments of prayers adapted from St. George Preca’s writings mainly the special programme entitled Sanctus Paulus Magister. The Cathedral Chapter and the clergy will then accompany the Archbishop while holding the relics of Sts. Peter and Paul from the Benedictine Monastery to the Metropolitan Cathedral. Upon his arrival on the parvis and coming to the altar, there will be the Solemn Proclamation of the Pauline Year which was written by local liturgists. A large massive silver icon which was originally part of the High Altar Pala of St. Paul Enthroned will be unveiled.

Following the liturgical celebrations at the Cathedral, all the participants are invited to roam around the old historical streets of Rabat and Mdina which will be holding a variety of interesting exhibitions and unique public display of art, sculpture and music related to the saint, some of which will be going on simultaneously. The cloistered nuns at St. Peter’s Monastery will share with the visitors their spiritual treasures. There will be perpetual adoration up to 11pm. On the right hand side, one may also venerate the relics of Blessed Adeodata Pisani, another spiritual treasure.

A series of events are programmed among which one can find a guided tour of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and part of the adjacent convent. The Carmelite Church is one of the finest baroque churches in Malta. There one can admire among other treasures the mastery of Stefano Erardi and Giuseppe Calì. The cloister and the refectory with its richly decorative motifs are worth visiting. At 10 pm, the Carmelite community leads the congregation in a prayer vigil. The Office of Readings of the solemnity will be prayed. The Very Reverend Provincial Alexander Vella o.carm., a biblical scholar, will provide a commentary about the Psalms.

The Cathedral doors will remain open to the public until 11pm. At 9:45 pm, those present will focus their attention on the titular altar piece painted by Mattia Preti in the late 17th century. Music and light will enhance a fifteen-minute artistic and spiritual reflection written by another biblical scholar, Fr. Paul Sciberras.

Walking straight outside Mdina main door, one finds the Church of St. Mark and the Augustinian Priory. At 10pm, there will also be a 40-minute soireè about St. Paul and St. Augustine. Worth seeing on this occasion is a Sicilian school fifteenth-century triptych which adorns the sacristy. It represents the Virgin Mother sitting on a gothic throne and nursing baby Jesus and on the sides there are St. Paul and St. Augustine. The present priory, built in 1740 is a fine example of architecture. For this occasion, it accommodates a collective art exhibition entitled Sapientiae Pulchritudo (meaning Art and Spirituality) by renowned Maltese contemporary artists like Fabio Borg, Anton Agius, Jessica Debattista, Anthony Spagnol, Lino Borg, John Martin Borg, George Fenech, Noel Attard, Gilbert Fenech, Pierre Bugeja, Mark Sagona and Patrick Dalli. The cloister will be open till midnight.

Tucked away from the rather busy St. Augustine Street one finds the small chapel of St. Bartholomew. Nowadays, this church serves as a chapel for perpetual adoration. There one can spend some time in adoration. Note worthy is the fact that in this chapel the Maltese organised the uprising against the French in 1798.

At ta’ Ġieżu church, the Franciscan Minors are setting a remarkable exhibition entitled “San Pawl għand il-Franġiskani”. It consists of a collection of paintings depicting the saint which are found in their churches and convents in Malta. Besides, there will also be the presentation of the newly translated book called “San Pawl, il-Ħajja, il-Ħidma u l-Messaġġ Tiegħu” originally written by Fr. Alfio Marcello Buscemi ofm and currently published by the Commissariat for the Holy Land. An astounding concert of Sacred Music will also be performing to the general public.

A stone’s throw away, in Palazzo Xara, the seat of the L’Isle Adam Musical Society, the members are holding an exhibition of statues and paintings of St. Paul. These form part of their private collections. The other Rabat philharmonic society, the Count Roger Band Club, is exhibiting a number of engravings, dating back from the seventeenth century, depicting St. Paul’s shipwreck.
An organ recital at St. Paul Parish Church in Rabat is also scheduled at 9:30pm. A location to be visited by every Maltese Christian is St. Paul’s Grotto. According to tradition, it is the place where the saint dwelt during his three months stay and from where he conducted his pastoral work. The parish church, decorated for the village festa, has in its possession numerous Pauline artefacts: Stefano Erardi’s titular painting of the Shipwreck of St. Paul and the reliquary containing the arm of the Saint. There will also be the opening of the Wignacourt Museum where three exhibitions will be displayed featuring artists from Rabat, iconography about the shipwreck and the reliquary of the apostle.

The visitors will also benefit from another event that of the opening of the Missionary Society of St. Paul Motherhouse and St. Agatha Catacombs. Meanwhile, on the latter church parvis, a slide feature will be showing the link between the society and the founder, Mgr. Giuseppe Depiro, with apostle Paul.

The Franciscan Conventuals are also opening their church on this Pauline festivity. The present building was designed by Lorenzo Gafà, who at the same period was completing his masterpiece, the Mdina Cathedral. Fr. Ugolin Xerri, the guardian of convent will conduct a guided tour at 10:30pm.

Pauline Traditions

2008-06-26T17:21:00.004+02:00

February 10, marking the shipwreck of St Paul on our shores is observed as a public holiday in Malta and Gozo. Since olden times the Maltese Islands have looked up to St Paul as their patron saint, and around the figure of this great Apostle have risen a number of traditions that have served to keep alive the memory of St Paul stay in these islands.

These traditions are often tied to the surroundings in which they arise, enshrined in colourful legends and beliefs which give a popular version of St Paul’s shipwreck and the conversion of these islands to Christianity.

The following examples, which include the interpretation given by the folk to explain certain place-names, illustrate the people’s basic belief in the shipwreck of St Paul as recounted by St Luke in The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 27 & 28).

From time immemorial St Paul's Bay has been pointed out as the bay in which the shipwreck occurred. St Paul's Islets, at the entrance of the bay, are believed to mark the place where the ship bearing the Apostle actually struck.

Għajn Rażul (The Apostles Fountain) is the name of a spring opposite the Veccia Restaurant in the bay. It is said that St Paul first caused the water to gush forth from the rock and then baptised the people with its waters. Another version tells us that the Apostle made the water come forth in order to give to his fellow sailors to drink as they were thirsty after the storm and the shipwreck.

According to tradition it was at San Pawl Milqgħi that the Apostle was met and received (from the Maltese milqugħ) by Publius, the chief man of the island, whose father "lay sick of a fever and a bloody flux".

The people of Naxxar believe that they were the first to go the aid of the shipwrecked men. They derive their village name, Naxxar, from the Maltese naxar, "to hang clothes to dry". In this context it commemorates the place where the Apostle and his friends refreshed themselves after the storm. As if to confirm the belief that St Paul was first received at Naxxar, the coat-of-arms of this village bears the words Prior credidi - "I was the first to believe".

Other traditions refer to statues, churches or places visited by the Apostle. Near today’s Gillieru Restaurant in St Paul's Bay there is a small church - the third one to be erected on this site. Folk memory recalls that in olden days people referred to the church as Tal-Ħuġġieġa (of the bonfire), because it was believed to mark the place where the Maltese kindled a fire to warm the shipwrecked company, as described by St Luke in the Acts.

St Paul's Grotto in Rabat is held to be the cave in which the Apostle lived and prayed during his three months stay on the island. As for the Cathedral Church at Mdina, it has been handed down by tradition that this church was erected on the original site of the palace of Publius.

A small church at Birkirkara, dedicated to St Paul, marks the place where, according to tradition, the Apostle stopped to preach to the people.

Another small church, at Marsalforn in Gozo, figures in a tradition that St Paul during his stay paid a visit to Gozo and landed at Marsalforn, where this small church was erected to his memory. Another tradition in Gozo states that St Paul was heard, preaching from Malta, at Mġarr ix-Xini, near Xewkija.

Folk memory recalls that the statue of the Apostle in front of the small church at San Pawl tat-Tarġa, on the outskirts of Naxxar, is situated on the spot where St Paul used to preach and from where his voice was heard even in Gozo.

It is commonly held in these islands that venomous snakes cannot exist here, as St Paul has taken the poison out of their bite and that, even if a poisonous snake were to be brought here, it would be rendered harmless as soon as it reaches land. This belief is based on the account of the viper given by St Luke in the Acts.

The Apostle figures in a historical legend relating how, in 1470, our island was invaded by the Moors. For three days they laid preparations for the final assault on Mdina, when St Paul was seen riding a beautiful horse, dressed in a starry garb, wielding a sword and attacking the Moorish camp. The arrows aimed against St Paul returned upon the Moors and put them to flight.

Some of these legends linger on as learned traditions or survive among old villagers and peasants, while others are no longer heard. Their inclusion here provides an insight into the Maltese popular mind.

by Ġużè Cassar Pullicino

(Courtesy: MALTA - This Month, Feb. 97, Advantage Advertising Ltd., Republic Street, Valletta, Malta)

Pauline Banners

2008-06-25T16:34:00.011+02:00

An exhibition consisting of six professionally mounted banners is to be held in every Parish Church as from this Sunday. The six banners depict various moments from the Saint’s life and mission to help the faithful to get to know St. Paul better as they can observe his path from persecutor of Christians to a great preacher of the Word of God.

The first poster pictures the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the second shows St Paul’s conversion, followed by the mysterious vision, to emphasize the fact the Paul was chosen by Christ and mysteriously instructed in the desert before commencing his ministry. The fourth banner depicts his apostolic voyages, the fifth shows the arrival of St. Paul in Malta while the last banner shows the saint’s martyrdom.

Apart from paintings representing various moments of St. Paul's life, every banner also contains a brief history and scripture reading related to the event being pictured.

Paul from Tarsus

2008-06-21T19:50:00.005+02:00

Above you can watch a video in Maltese called Pawlu ta' Tarsu (meaning Paul from Tarsus) specifically made by members of the Society for Christian Doctrine for the Pauline Year Celebrations where details and important facts about the Apostle's life, writings and imprint are still visible nowadays and delivered to the faithful.

This video will be shown tonight and tomorrow during Mass at our church.

Latest Updates

2008-06-21T12:31:00.006+02:00

A few days ago, we gave a detailed post about the Opening of the Pauline Year celebrations in our Archdiocese listing the important things happening throughout this period. Here, one can find the map of Mdina-Rabat area with the thorough details of the events to be held on Saturday 28 June. These posters are also being distributed around the Maltese islands.

Click on the images to read clearly the words written on it.

Faithful God

2008-06-21T11:52:00.004+02:00

This week's Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr Rene' Camilleri was really inspiring. Fr Camilleri focus on the faithfulness and fidelity of God towards his people and that despite life's circumstances, failures and the wrong turnings that one might take in the course of life, God is still there to reach out for his people and keep his word. Fr Camilleri insisted on doing our part too, that of keeping our word and be faithful to God as well in our daily lives and decisions.

The constructive talk led to moments of deep prayer, praise and worship as well as to moments of reflective silence. At this point, the priest asked the faithful to walk towards the Blessed Sacrament and take a token from the recipient in front of the Eucharist. In it there were small red papers cut in the shape of a half broken heart. The other half was found in front of the monstrance. The faithful took a half broken heart each and placed it by the other half symbolising the unity of their heart with the heart of God.

The service ended with the priest blessing those present and walking with the Sacrament among the people while the faithful revered the Eucharist with hymns of worship.

This was the last Adoration for this period of time. The next adoration will be held in September just before schooltime resumes. Same goes for the Sunday 9:30am children liturgy Mass.

New photos in our gallery!

2008-06-16T16:25:00.005+02:00

For more pictures of the healing service that took place in April at our church, take a look at the photo gallery or click here!

Opening Celebrations

2008-06-15T16:46:00.006+02:00

As Pope Benedict XVI announced, as from June 28 2008 up to June 29 2009, the Church will be celebrating the Pauline Year, where the figure, teachings and lifestyle of St Paul will be explored and delved into in order to set an example to all Catholics and non-Catholics about Christian lifestyle.

As previously annonuced, even our local Archdiocese will be taking part into and organising various activities to help the faithful partake in the mission that the Pontiff entrusted in the hands of the local Church.

Here you can see the official posters of the Pauline Year being organised in Malta showing the statue of our Father in Faith, St Paul in front of the colonnade at St Peter's Square at the Vatican. The statue of St Paul, sculpted in 1838 by Adamo Tadolini, shows the saint holding a manuscript in one hand upon which there is the Word of God and a sword in the other, symbolising the power and strength of the Word being preached. In this poster, one can also read various Scripture readings said by the mentioned apostle and descriptions of who he really was.

In the second poster, you can see details about the official opening celebrations of the Pauline Year in Malta. A full detailed programme was given out by the local curia during a press conference earlier this week where the bishops addressed the media, the logo of the event was presented and the programme of the celebrations was announced to the general public in the form of a powerpoint presentation. The events listed also include activities to be held and organised by the Diocese of Gozo.

More ongoing information about this particular occurrence will be published on this blog in due time. Meanwhile, you are all invited to attend for the opening celebrations in front of the Mdina Cathedral on Saturday June 28 at 7:30pm.

Maltese Festa

2008-06-15T14:29:00.007+02:00

A regular event in the Maltese calendar is the Maltese Festa. It has its roots in the liturgy but its ramifications extend in the social and cultural realm. One smells the mixture of the "gunpowder and incense" and feels the religious and profane merging. There is nothing wrong in all this, if one strikes the correct balance.

Unfortunately some festa activities degenerate into piques, excessive alcoholism (and in some cases even abuse by minors). In the above video clip, broadcasted in every Mass being celebrated this weekend, the Archbishop reflects on the readings of St Paul aiming to help us to purify our festas and to live them as a moment of true brotherhood.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T14:14:00.004+02:00

As I was going through various books and websites searching for famous quotations about fatherhood, I met the following, which really impressed me ...

One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.

I think it says it all! Kids look up to their fathers as we all look up at God. Let's not disappoint them and pray for one another that God may grant wisdom, courage and willpower to do His will in daily life.

Enjoy your day dads! You deserve it!

Eucharistic Adoration

2008-06-14T19:38:00.004+02:00

On Thursday 19th, our community will be holding another Eucharistic Adoration. During the last couple of months, we all experienced powerful prayers and sessions of praise and worship during the healing service and concert organised different catholic communities at our church. Once again, we are meeting to experience the power of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharistic species. Such intimate moments with the Blessed Sacraments have always been cherished by our community.

So join us once again for the last adoration before summer recess. Mass starts as usual at 6:15pm and which is then followed by the adoration. So be there on Thursday 19th at 7pm. Meditations and sessions of prayer will be led by Fr. Rene' Camilleri. Music ministry will also be provided.

Sunday Liturgy

2008-06-14T19:16:00.003+02:00

At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

Sunday Liturgy

2008-06-07T09:03:00.003+02:00

Teaching Through Example
Parents are the primary instructors of their children, and they must back their words with corresponding deeds throughout their daily life, in order to truly instruct their children from an early age.

Directions
Parents are always teaching, and their first lessons are about love. A mother holding her baby in her arms, speaking to him in her gentle voice, softly stroking his silky hair, teaches him that he is dear and that she loves him, that he is safe and snug in her care. A father's strength and bigness, the tenderness of his grasp, even the familiar sound and smell of him, so surely speak of love to a child that although he is too young to put it into words, he knows what love is because he has experienced it.

As he grows, he grasps many other things in the same way, among them the idea of making. His first making is usually the making of messes — with his food, with the sugar and flour he ferrets from the cupboard, with his mother's bath powder or his father's shaving cream, or whatever material his family leaves about. But in time he learns to control his hands. He watches his parents as they make things; he imitates them. He makes mud pies and mud houses; he takes bits of his mother's bread and cookie dough and makes with them; he arranges blocks and makes trucks and trains. He soon comes to know how it feels to be a maker. Bringing his creation to his parents, his constant boast is, "See what I made!"

Then one day his mother or father is prompted by grace to ask something like, "Do you know who made you?"

"Who?" he asks, and when the parent answers the child understands, because he has already learned about love and making. "God made you, and He loves you best of all."

How much we teach without knowing it! If a philosopher were asked, "How would you tell a three-year-old child about God and His love and how He created him?" he might well answer, "You can't explain that to a three-year-old." And he is quite right. But God has designed a situation in which it is taught nevertheless, without a word of explanation.

A child's idea of God is made of his parents' love and his own experience with making. When his parents tell him God made him, he believes it because at Baptism he was given the gift of Faith — he gift that makes him "able to believe" — and because his parents have been a kind of image of God to him — the source of all that is good and true, the source of love. He believes everything they say.

As he grasps the idea of God from his parents, so he acquires his interpretation of the Christian life from their attitudes. If they believe it themselves, they will teach him, show him, that life is an adventure with God, Who reveals His will for us every day. The greatest excitement of all will be his discovery of the special ways God has planned for each of us to serve Him.

The parents' admiration of each child's talent and beauty helps develop a sense of gratitude for gifts, and a stewardship of them, if the child is shown that these gifts are from God and are to be used for His work.

"What wonderful cartwheels! Isn't God good to give you a strong body that can do so many things? Be sure to thank Him for it."

"Yes, you do have a pretty face — and God made it for you. Let it always remind you to be grateful and not proud, and let it remind others how great God is and that He makes all things — even pretty little girls."

Gone are the days, let us hope, when the determination to cultivate humility in a child caused parents to downgrade everything he did. Praise is necessary and serves a good purpose if it is used within the relationship to God. God Himself praised men for their virtues — Abraham was praised for his obedience, Moses for his meekness and in the Gospels Christ praised the Roman centurion for his great faith.

Praise encourages a child to try harder to use fully his gifts. Parents must remember that the drive for perfection even in the material world is a reflection of man's longing for God and for perfect happiness with Him.

On the other hand, parents can help a child be content with modest gifts, if parents themselves are content with them. The Lord has a special work for the modestly gifted, too.

A bright little boy was always envious of the athletic talents of his older brother. For years he was told, "But God did not give you the gifts of a champion. You are simply meant to have fun with your games and to learn to play well, and to lose well if you must. He has other things for you to do with your fine mind."

The boy's answer was always: "But it just so happens that I wish I were an athlete!"

Then the day came when he began to discover the exhilaration that comes with using his intellectual gifts and to be glad he had been saved the damaging frustration that can come upon a child who is constantly urged to excel at something he is not equipped to do.

A child cannot be fooled. Mere lip service in the teaching of virtue will not overcome the example of parents who do not practice it. After a while parents' values become the child's values.

The little girl whose impatient "Me first! Me first!" is checked with the explanation that each must have his turn because "It's only fair," really learns that this is so when she sees her mother patiently wait her turn at the department store counter or in the line boarding the bus. To see her mother do otherwise would teach the child that grown-ups talk to children about justice but in their own lives (and therefore in the real world) personal convenience comes first.

A little boy startled his neighbor by refusing to take money for raking her leaves. "Why not?" she said. "You did the work." His answer revealed his parents' values: "My parents say we should always help each other."

Of great importance are the parents' reactions to the injustices and sufferings of life, to the misunderstandings that inevitably reach into every family and touch all its members. For it is here that parents, by their attitudes, can lead their children to a profound understanding of what it means to serve God.

"But Daddy! He didn't even thank you!"

"I know, but we had to do what was right, didn't we? God sees everything we do and He rewards us in heaven." In ways such as this the child learns that the world will grow better only if we do the things that are right. He understands what Our Lord meant when He said we must forgive people who are cross with us, and pray for them. Whatever we do to anyone He counts as done to Him. So we never lose when we do the right thing.

The whole world is a sign of God, and early childhood is ideally suited for forming minds to see this. To sense the hand of God everywhere is the beginning of contemplation. Before children are caught up in the clamor and din of the adolescent years, they are naturally contemplative. In time they may be temporarily diverted from this awareness of God, but the mind that once has seen the trace of Him in all things cannot easily lose that vision.

"Raise the stone and there you will find Me cleave the wood and there I am." In a thousand places the family finds the signs of God, and marvels at them. Does God have a sense of humor? Who could doubt it when He has made such things as kittens with their funny antics, and pansies with their droll little faces. His sense of beauty is revealed in the way the milkweed seeds lie patterned against the silk, and the yellow horn of the skunk cabbage curls out of the marsh in spring.

An egg broken in a bowl speaks the mystery of life. It is such a common thing that we don't think of it as teaching so profound a lesson. But the lesson is there, and it tells us something of the order of creatures: the lower always serves the higher, even to man, who uses all creatures to praise and serve God. At the expense of being too obvious, here is an example: the hen obeys nature and gives us the egg; Mother is obedient and prepares it for breakfast; Daddy is obedient and, filled with energy from his good breakfast, goes off to work to support his family, whom God made and loves and wants with Him forever.

In no time, the child whose parents were his world and his authority finds a hierarchy of authorities to guide and protect him as he moves out into the community. The teacher, the bus driver, the policeman in front of the school — each has his place in God's plan, and out of our respect for authority comes order and peace. The parents' scrupulous respect for authority confirms this lesson.

Important distinctions between authority and personality are learned now. "But I don't like that teacher!" a little boy complains. But his mother points out that obedience to the rule is necessary whether or not we like the person enforcing it.

"It's a stupid rule, and besides, I wasn't doing anything bad!" Here a lesson can span a lifetime, by teaching concern for the common good. The rule about no talking in the study period was made for everyone, and here the child can be shown that he cannot make and break rules to suit himself. We all must care for the good of one another, We are our brother's keeper.

A child grows up with breathtaking speed. The first years of simplicity, trust, and docility fly by so quickly that before we know it, his attitudes are already formed. Parents must make the most of these years because it is then that the child is sure his parents are right. His motto might well be: "Because my father and mother said so."

With the arrival of teen age, this relationship begins to change. Slowly the child starts testing and translating into his own terms all he has learned from his parents, all he has taken for granted. This is part of growing up, the last step before the young man and woman are ready to be free.

At this stage, wise parental discipline often seems intolerably strict to young people not yet experienced enough to be totally independent. Fathers and mothers discover that their love must be strong enough to bear challenge and rebellion. Parents must be wise enough to make harmless concessions while refusing to surrender principles. But they must stand firm with the values they have taught, unwavering before the familiar plea: "But everybody does it, why can't I?" In their firm stand, parents give the final example of the unchangeableness of God and His love. Little do children realize that this is what they want to see in order to make their own convictions firm.

By the end of teen age, the boy is a man. Many persons have instructed him, influenced him, persuaded him. But only his parents have been with him and have taught him through all the weeks and months of those twenty years, endlessly exemplifying and bearing witness to the truth.

Parents are the mold in which the man is formed.

My Apostolate

I will help my family to cultivate conversations while eating dinner, riding in the car, on shopping trips, doing chores together, at bedtime, which will explore the relation of God to matters at hand - for example, the food we are eating, the achievements of the day, the item most discussed in the day's news, the neighbors, sporting events, and so forth.

I will point out and discuss with the older members of my family, adults and children, how the love of the parents for each other and the children, and of the children for each other and the parents, teaches even the youngest child about God's love, about man's love, about goodness, and what we mean when we speak of these things.

In our family prayer, we will ask God to make us more sensitive to the signs of Him in the world about us and in our family life together. We will also ask Him to make us better able to teach about Him in our family.

Source: Catholic Culture

Great sites to see!

2008-05-31T14:56:00.003+02:00

This week we came across two great website full of resourceful information and inspiring knowledge. One is purely local and in fact is written in Maltese. It is founded by a group of friends, all having their own career in very different sectors yet all sharing a passion and a walk. These groups of young dynamic people form part of the Society of Christian Doctrine (SDC or MUSEUM) founded by St. George Preca. This circle of friends built this website in order to pass on and share various milestones in the daily walk towards Christ. The inspiring title Damascus Path reminds us of the walk that our patron St. Paul was taking where his conversion took place. It is very appropriately chosen especially now that the Pauline Year is on the verge of starting in June.

So take a look at Damascus Path.

The second website we wish to share with you is an international professional site dealing with Liturgy. It is run by Rev. Bosco Peters, an Anglican priest living in New Zealand but who also likes to travel around the globe to spread the word of God and share his passion for the Liturgy. His website shows the importance of Liturgy, the Liturgy of the Hours, the lectionary (Lectio Divina), prayer reflections, worship resources as well as many other useful sections. It is really worth taking a look at!

So we advise you to click on Liturgy!

Sacred Heart of Jesus

2008-05-31T14:17:00.002+02:00

Yesterday, Catholics celebrated the wonderful feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion is predominantly Catholic and it stresses the central Christian concept of loving and adoring Jesus. The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, surrounded by a crown of thorns, and bleeding. Sometimes the image is over Jesus' body with his wounded hands pointing at the heart. The wounds and crown of thorns allude to the manner of Jesus' death, while the fire represents the transformative power of love.

This image or painting as well as other figures showing us the heart of Jesus reminds us of the great love and passion that God has for us all which has been proven true and tangible in the person of Jesus. While understanding all this and acknowledging our great gratitude for the great gift of salvation, we, in turn, revere the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

If you want to part to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, here you can find some help:

Prayer to the Wounded Heart of Jesus
O my Most Loving and Gentle Jesus, I desire with all the affections of my heart, that all beings should praise Thee, honor Thee and glorify Thee eternally for that sacred wound wherewith Thy divine side was rent. I deposit, enclose, conceal in that wound and in that opening in Thy Heart, my heart and all my feelings, thoughts, desires, intentions and all the faculties of my soul. I entreat Thee, by the precious Blood and Water that flowed from Thy Most Loving Heart, to take entire possession of me, that Thou may guide me in all things. Consume me in the burning fire of thy holy Love, so that I may be so absorbed and transformed into Thee that I may no longer be but one with Thee.

Amen.
(Lanspergius, the Carthusian)

Below you can also pray the novena:

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
I. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request)

Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

II. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of.......(here name your request)

Our Father...Hail Mary....Glory Be To the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

III. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of.....(here name your request)

Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father...Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.

Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
(St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)

Corpus Christi

2008-05-24T15:39:00.006+02:00

Tomorrow (or last Thursday) is the feast of Corpus Christi, the celebration of Christ's true Body and Blood yet present for us who linger below in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

This is one of the greatest gifts that God has left for us in the all creation. God Almighty in accordance with his Son and the Holy Spirit sent his only Son in this world for our salvation, so tha we may be reunited with the Father in heaven. The true Body and Blood of Jesus didn't cease on calvary but is still present amang us in the species of the Host and Wine.

I have always been fascinated by the words the priest uses during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, "Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have, this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink." (frott id-dielja u xoghol il-bniedem in Maltese)

This wonderful great God has been so humble that I am awestruck by his great love and mercy. He didn't just humiliate himself by becoming one of us and be surrounded by such filth, evil and weaknesses and he didn't just go through all that pain up till Golgotha but he also though about those who were yet to come. The Holy Eucharist and Chalice are the actual presence of Christ and he chose two of the most simple and authentic symbols: bread and wine.

Here is a brief account of how these two species are produced where one can clearly see a co-operation between God, man and nature in the production process, thus joining all creation in one.

Growing wheat for bread is a year-long process, so the first part of the farmer's job starts in the August of each year with the ploughing after the last harvest. The plough is attached to the tractor nowadyas (while in the old times, the small donkey used to do the job), then the farmer goes up and down the field to turn the soil over to prepare it for the next year's crop of wheat. The farmer then breaks the soil down so that he can then sow the seeds for the next crop of wheat. The wheat seed is then sown with a machine called a corn drill. Attached to the back of the tractor, this machine allows the farmer to plant many seeds at the same time. In Jesus' time everything had to be done by hand and thus it took far longer!Not much happens during the winter. Throughout spring, the wheat grows slowly and the farmer leaves it alone until March. In August, the farmer uses a huge machine called a combine harvester which travels up and down the fields to harvest the wheat. It chops it off and it is then sucked through to a rotating drum which separates the chaff (the straw bits) from the wheat. The wheat is put into a large tank and the straw is either blown back onto the field to be ploughed back in or it is rolled up into huge round straw bales which are sold for animal bedding or food. The wheat is cleaned and dried. This is a very delicate task as the grain must not be crushed but cracked open to separate the inner white piece from the outer skin. If the wheat was crushed the bits of the grains' skin would become mixed into the flour and would badly discolour the flour and spoil its ability to bake bread. The process of breaking, sifting and reducing continues until the flour and bran have been completely separated. The flour which is produced from the First Break Roll is the whitest. Yeast, salt,fat and water are added to the mixture which takes about 20 minutes. The yeast in the dough makes the bread rise and it is a living organism, so after being bashed around for twenty minutes in the mixing bowl, it gets a well deserved rest before going on to the next step of the Baking process! Once the dough has risen, it then goes into an oven for about 25 to 30 minutes to bake until one senses a delicious smell. That is how bread is made!

Making wine involves managing and optimally controlling the process in which juice turns to wine (know as fermentation) along with managing and optimally controlling the aging and storage of wine. The basic processes that the wine maker can control are: type of juice (or grapes) and yeast, sugar content, acid level, fermentation containers (oak barrels), exposure to air, process for clearing wine, temperature and humidity as well as aging. The key to good wine making is to optimize processes and ingredients of a very simple, natural, age-old phenomenon.

As you can see, both processes take a lot of time, energy and work. When I see such grandeur in such small things, I realise how great is our God!

Il-Festa tar-Rahal

2008-05-24T15:00:00.003+02:00

Throughout all the week, there were various celebrations and services to devoutly highlight the importance of our town patron and feast: The Annunciation of Our Lord.

Today, we wish to delve into the meaning of this feast that it may really root in our hearts. The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the most important in the Church calendar. It celebrates the actual Incarnation of Our Saviour, the Word made flesh in the womb of His mother, Mary.

The biblical account of the Annunciation is in the first chapter of the Gospel of Saint Luke, 26-56. Saint Luke describes the Annunciation given by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she was to become the mother of the Incarnation of God.

Here is recorded the "angelic salutation" of Gabriel to Mary, 'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" (Ave, gratia plena, Dominus tecum - Lk 1:28), and Mary's response to God's will, "Let it be done to me according to thy word" (fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum) (v. 38)

This "angelic salutation" is the origin of the "Hail Mary" prayer of the Rosary and the Angelus (the second part of the prayer comes from the words of salutation of Elizabeth to Mary at the Visitation).

The Angelus, a devotion that daily commemmorates the Annunciation, consists of three Hail Marys separated by short versicles. It is said three times a day (morning, noon and evening) traditionally at the sound of a bell. The Angelus derives its name from the first word of the versicles, Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae (The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary).

Mary's exultant hymn, the Magnificat, found in Luke 1:46-55, has been part of the Church's Liturgy of the Hours, at Vespers (evening prayer), and has been repeated nightly in churches, convents and monasteries for more than a thousand years.

The Church's celebration of the Annunciation is believed to date to the early 5th century, possibly originating at about the time of the Council of Ephesus (c 431). Earlier names for the Feast were Festum Incarnationis, and Conceptio Christi, and in the Eastern Churches, the Annunciation is a feast of Christ, but in the Latin Church it is a feast of Mary. The Annunciation has always been celebrated on March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas Day.

In families with young children, this feast would be a good time to begin teaching youngsters important lessons about the inestimable value God places on human life. In families with young children, this feast would be a good time to begin teaching youngsters important lessons about the inestimable value God places on human life?

Here are some activities that can be done with children to celebrate the Annunciation:

Have children draw an Annunciation scene, with the Trinity present Father, Son and Holy Spirit as well as Mary and the Angel Gabriel. Another idea would be to make the figures from clay or play-dough, and make a "tableau" using a shallow box to represent Mary's house.

Mention that Christianity is unique in recognizing the Incarnation of the God as Jesus Christ, the Son. God's taking on a human body, while being truly and fully divine, is the reason why artistic representations of Jesus, Mary, etc., are not "idols" or "graven images" prohibited by the First Commandment. (See Catechism § 476, 466). Catholics who properly reverence images of sacred figures are actually reverencing the Person whom the image represents, not the physical object painting or sculpture or medal or whatever.

Make a flower centerpiece for the dinner table using red carnations (symbolize "incarnation"), baby's breath (innocence, spirit) and ivy (eternal fidelity). Explain how the symbolism of the flowers reminds us of the Annunciation, and the appropriateness of the gift of real flowers for the occasion. Sprinkle the flowers with Holy Water (little children love to do this!), and explain that this consecrates, or sets apart, our gift to the worship of God.

Make a special Annunciation Candle. Use a fat pillar candle of white or blue. Carve a niche in the wax large enough to fit inside it a tiny image (or picture cut from a Christmas card) of the Infant Jesus. Fasten a "curtain", made from a small piece of white cloth, over the opening with pins pushed into the wax. The candle wax represents the purity of the Virgin. The Baby is "hidden" within the body of the candle. Light the candle when the Angelus or Rosary is said on this Feast. The same candle can be saved from year to year. It can also be used on other feast days and solemnities of the Blessed Virgin (Assumption, Immaculate Conception). On Christmas the little curtain would be removed from the niche so the Holy Infant can be seen.

Substitute the regular bedtime story with looking at and talking about pictures of the Annunciation in books. There are many beautifully printed art books containing masterworks of Catholic art that can be borrowed from any public library - or you may have some in your home library. There you may find reproduced paintings of the Annunciation by Fra Angelico (like the one above), Roger van der Weyden, and others.

Hope you find these suggestions very useful!

Source: Women for Faith & Family

New Worship Album

2008-05-20T17:30:00.004+02:00

Robert Galea has recently released a new album with twelve wonderful tracks of praise music and a bonus track. This great seminarian, who has been recently ordered lector and is currently learning and devouting his pastoral time in Australia, will also be taking part in the World Youth Day festivities in Sydney. Some months back, we also posted a video in which he sided international singers in the theme song called Receive the Power where he performed the introductory part in Italian. Robert will also be performing for a 40-minute service on Thursday 17th July. He will be talking about his conversion and vocation to the priesthood as well especially through some of the songs he has written. Let's keep him all in our prayers!

Below you can see a video with his latest song called Foot of the Cross.

Holy Trinity

2008-05-18T10:25:00.003+02:00

Today the Church celebrates Trinity Sunday or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. This is one of the very few days in which the church doesn't celebrate a particular perosn or event but rather a doctrine that is fundumental to Christianity ... The Godhead ... Father, Son and Spirit, three different persons with their own characteristics in One Presence. God the Father, the Almighty nourisher, creator and provider who is abundant, lovable and dwells in the highest together with His Almighty Son who out of His will decided to live among us in all our humanity to accomplish a single plan - to unite us back with the Father in heaven through his bloddy sacrifice. These two different persons are united with the Holy Spirit, the sweet gentle person who lives within us every single day since we received Baptism. The same person who hovered over the earth when the Father created it and restored order and peace, the same person who filled the Apostles with courage, wisdom and faith. These are the three person whom we celebrate today and move hand in hand because they are one.

Here are some prayers to the Holy Trinity that you can pray on your own or with your family.

Wow!

2008-05-18T10:12:00.002+02:00

Yesterday's Mass was wonderful. Thanks to all the choir at the Academy of Praise and Worship and their leaders Andrew Cauchi and Mro Mark Agius. The concert following the Mass gave all those present the opportunity to sing together various songs that exalt our God and give Him the place that He deserves in our lives and hearts. The joyful songs complemented by the colourful powerpoint presentations encouraged all to pray in a different way especially when Jesus entered among His people in the species of the Blessed Sacrament. Deep moments of worship and adoration endowed the place and really united all those present in one ... one body in Christ. Various short reflections and also moments of silence encouraged us all to be still and listen to the voice of God and hear His particular word for each and everyone of us in a different personal way. The service ended with the Blessed Sacrament walking around the congregation and blessing the faithful who were devoutly participating in prayer.

It was a wonderful experience that helped us bind more as a community and grow deeper in our relationship with Christ. Let us cherish these moments and pray to be rooted in our hearts.

Festival of Praise

2008-05-12T15:36:00.003+02:00

This Saturday 17th, we will be holding a Festival of Praise at our church led by the National Academy of Praise and Worship. Andrew Cauchi and Mro Mark Agius will be leading the multi-instrumental band and choir throughout the entire festival with various songs of praise and worship to God. The repertoire of songs varies in muscial styles and languages as to show the various ways in which each and everyone of us can really praise God in different ways.

The service will start with the evening Mass at 6:15pm celebrated by Fr Jesmond Manicaro and animated by the Academy followed by the Festival of Praise at 7:30pm. The whole service will end in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

Above, you can find the poster of the event to share with your friends.

Pentecost

2008-05-12T15:20:00.003+02:00

Pentecost (Ancient Greek: πεντηκοστή [ἡμέρα], pentekostē [hēmera], "the fiftieth day") is one of the prominent feasts in the Christian liturgical year, celebrated the 49th day (7 weeks) after Easter Sunday (the tenth day after Ascension Thursday). Historically and symbolically related to the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot, it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2. Pentecost is also called Whitsun, Whitsunday, or Whit Sunday, especially in the United Kingdom.

The Mass has a Sequence, "Veni Sancte Spiritus" the authorship of which by some is ascribed to King Robert of France. The colour of the vestments is red, symbolic of the love of the Holy Ghost or of the tongues of fire.

In Italy it was customary to scatter rose leaves from the ceiling of the churches to recall the miracle of the fiery tongues; hence in Sicily and elsewhere in Italy Whitsunday is called Pascha rosatum. The Italian name Pascha rossa comes from the red colours of the vestments used on Whitsunday. In France it was customary to blow trumpets during Divine service, to recall the sound of the mighty wind which accompanied the Descent of the Holy Ghost. In England the gentry amused themselves with horse races.

Below you can listen to a wondeful worship song to the Holy Spirit called Holy Spirit Rain Down. (Read lyrics here)

We turned two!

2008-05-05T17:40:00.004+02:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR BLOG!!!

Pentecost Celebrations

2008-05-05T17:05:00.004+02:00

On Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11 there will be the diocesan celebrations for Pentecost. Click on the poster for more details.

Click here to read about the celebrations for children and youths

Prayers of Intercession

2008-05-04T20:01:00.003+02:00

Last evening, between 9pm and midnight, there was a wonderful celebration at our church led by various priests and seminarians to interceed for religious and priestly vocations. The service started with a Mass celebrated by Fr Reuben with the help of our worship team who used wonderful songs of praise and worship. Mass was then followed by a Eucharistic Adoration which oscillated between moments of reverent silence and deep reflection to moments of joyful singing and prayer. The meditations were led by Fr Jesmond followed by the recital of the Rosary by various priests and seminarians. The large assembly participated in all aspects of the service and many enjoyed its spiritual fruits and were spurred into keeping on interceeding for a holy priesthood for our nation. The Adoration ended with the Eucharistic Blessing and the reposition of the Blessed Sacrament by Fr Jesmond. It was really a wonderful experience which shouldn't be missed next time around.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Acension of the Lord

2008-05-02T17:29:00.002+02:00

The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on the fortieth day after the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha (Easter). Since the date of Pascha changes each year, the date of the Feast of the Ascension changes. The Feast is always celebrated on a Thursday.

The Feast itself commemorates when, on the fortieth day after His Resurrection, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives, and after blessing them and asking them to wait for the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit, He ascended into heaven.

Christ made His last appearance on earth, forty days after His Resurrection from the dead. The Acts of the Apostles states that the disciples were in Jerusalem. Jesus appeared before them and commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the "Promise of the Father". He stated, "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5).

After Jesus gave these instructions, He led the disciples to the Mount of Olives. Here, He commissioned them to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). It is also at this time that the disciples were directed by Christ to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus also told them that He would be with them always, "even to the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).

The icon of The Ascension of Our Lord is a joyous icon. It is painted with bright colors.

1. Christ is shown ascending in His glory in a mandorla. A mandorla is a design which is almond-shaped or round. Inside the mandorla is the figure of a holy person. Christ blesses the assembly with His right hand

2. In His left is a scroll. The scroll is a symbol of teaching

3. This icon shows that the Lord in heaven is the source of blessing. In addition, Jesus is the source of knowledge. The icon reminds us that Christ continues to be the source of the teaching and message of the Church, blessing and guiding those to whom He has entrusted his work.

4. The Theotokos occupies a very special place in this icon. She is in the center of the icon, immediately below the ascending Christ. The gesture of her hands is gesture of prayer. She is clearly outlined by the whiteness of the garments of the angels. The Theotokos is depicted in a very calm pose. This is quite different from the appearance of the Disciples. They are moving about, talking to one another and looking and pointing towards heaven. The entire group, the Theotokos and the disciples represent the Church.

5. The icon of the Ascension includes some who did not witness the Ascension. St. Paul is shown to the left of the Theotokos, but we know that he was not present at the Ascension 6. At that time, St. Paul did not yet believe in Jesus. But he became a Christian and one of the greatest Apostles and missionaries of Church.

6. Then two angels in white clothes said to the disciples, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem (Acts 1:11).

Sunday Gospel

2008-04-27T13:00:00.004+02:00

At first reading, the words of Jesus in this passage from John are not very inspiring. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." It is that little word "if." From our grandparents down to our grandchildren, we have all lived with or kept company with people who talk as though their love for us was conditional. "If you loved me, you would …”

What is stunning about today’s gospel passage is that it seems to vary from the unconditional love Jesus has been demonstrating in every gospel reading we have had since Easter Sunday.

In John 20, to the brokenhearted Mary Magdalene, Jesus simply spoke her name. In John’s "Shepherd Discourse," like the sheep hearing his voice, Mary recognized him with joy.

When the disciples were hiding behind locked doors in fear, Jesus simply stood there among them, sorrowful that they were unable to trust the good news brought to them by the women that morning, but not wasting any time with recriminations or scenes of righteous indignation.

In the "Doubting Thomas" passage, Jesus never said anything along the lines of "If you'd really loved me you would know me without my having to get undressed and show you my scars."

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus, in the guise of a stranger, patiently did what he had so often done with his friends and disciples while walking along the road: he talked to them about the meanings of scripture. Keeping his disguise, he deliberately recreated a very particular memory for them while they were at table together: he took, blessed, broke, and shared bread. Once they recognized him, Jesus did not stay around to say, "Well it took you long enough." He discretely vanished, leaving them to rejoice with one another.

These post-Resurrection appearances strongly suggest that the risen Jesus loved his disciples unconditionally. Yet suddenly in today's reading, going back to a time immediately before his arrest in Gethsemane, we have the big "if." There may be absolute, unconditional love for us on God's side of things, but on our side, Jesus poses a condition: if you love me, you will obey my commandments.

The clue, of course, lies not so much in the "if" but in that word "obey." We need to decide precisely what commandments John wants us to understand at this point. Are we to understand the whole tradition of commandments, from Sinai on down, or are we to infer the new commandment that Jesus handing over to his friends in John 13:34: "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another even as I have loved you"?

It may be, of course, that the distinction is beside the point. The Ten Commandments in the Sinai covenant tradition can be seen as a gift that describes a life for humans – individually and socially – that is consistent with the life God wants for us. Rather than assuming that Jesus requires a militaristic kind of obedience, we do better to think of God's commandments, right from the start, guiding and guarding us in learning how to love him and each other. It is therefore not so much "if you love me, you will obey," but "in loving me, you are obeying."

When we follow this guide and guard, we are taking in the Spirit of Truth. This Spirit is what helps us to see and respond to God's life in Christ in ourselves and each other. The reference to the Holy Spirit that Jesus is sending, of course, reminds us that Ascension is round the corner and Pentecost is looming. By assuring us of the continuity of God's presence in our lives, Jesus is also assuring us of the ongoing availability of God's absolute and unconditional love.

In the wonderful, treasured words of St. Paul, we may therefore be sure that nothing, "neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come ... will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus."

Rev. A.V. Askew

Awesome God! Awesome Evening!

2008-04-26T15:30:00.006+02:00

Yesterday's evening was fabulous! The whole church was packed with people coming from all over Malta as well as Gozo. All pews, extra seats and openings were occupied by various faces, some of which were familiar while others were coming from outside town. Around 1,000 people attended yesterday's Healing Service held by Marantha Community led by Dr. John. The service started with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Jesmond followed by a full blast session of praise and worship to our wonderful God! The worship team sang popular songs of praise which helped the congregation to come into the presence of God and many were speaking words of praise to give glory to God.

Many young couples with children, elderly, and youths were waiting to be touched both spiritually and physically. The great expectation to meet Christ filled the whole assembly. Dr. John then delivered a powerful talk in which he encouraged every Christian to realise who he is, the dignity he holds in Christ's sacrifice and mercy as well as in the power of the Word. Various people who had been touched in previous healing services gave their testimony. Among them there was a couple whom after twenty years of childless marriage turned to prayer and conceived a child. Another person was liberated by the habit of drinking too much and is now experiencing the love of God. The assembly uttered words of thanks to praise God for the miracles He manifested with these brothers and sisters of ours. Everyone lifted his own needs and prayers as moments of deep worship were shared by those present. There were also various signs of healing which all culminated when Christ in the form of the Blessed Sacrament walked among the congregation.

The healing service ended with a blessing by the Holy Sacrament and a general prayer led by Dr. John and recited by all those present as a commitment for a better Catholic life.

We would like to thank all those who helped in the setting up of this wonderful event especially those membetrs of the community who went around our homes to evangelise. Thanks also to all those who wholeheartedly received God's word with joy. You will surely remain in our prayers.

The pictures of the event will be posted soon.

Rate Us!

2008-04-22T17:05:00.002+02:00

Lately we have met many people who shared with us their views, opinion and suggestions about our blog! The aim of this blog is to be of service to you, both to our community and other catholics living in a different region. Tell us what you like in our blog so that we empower those areas even more. We are also very eager to know what can we add, change or improve.

Click the below button to be able to rate us as others have already done or simply write a review about our blog!

Praise God ... Healing Service on the way!

2008-04-19T10:09:00.006+02:00

Yesterday evening after Mass, there was the second seminar led by Jude Muscat, national co-ordinator of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement. A large attendance of people adorned our church as all the faithful listened to the fruitful talk after half an hour of adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament accopmanied by heartfelt songs of praise and worship. For those who are interested in attending these seminars, the next meeting will be held on Friday May 2 at 7:30pm.

On Friday April 25, Dr. John Bonnici Mallia and Marana Tha Catholic Charismatic Community will be leading a Healing Service at our church at 7:30pm. You are all invited to attend. Marana Tha Community members will be holding the door to door evangelisation in our zone on the 21 and 22 April. During these brief visits they will speak to us about God, healing and prayer. Let us show them our warmth and appreciation for their work in spreading God's word and support them with our prayers.

For those of you who want to experience a good praise and worship service, you can attend this Sunday's 9:30am Mass which will be animated by the worship team of this Spirit-filled community.

For more information about Marana Tha community, please visit their official website.

Sunday Gospel

2008-04-19T09:26:00.002+02:00

This Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel focuses on Jesus encouraging his disciples and apostles to follow him as He is the way to the Father. Let's spend some moments reading it in silence:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."

Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Although the setting is Jerusalem and Jesus' last supper with his friends, the author is writing this for the members of John's congregation. It was an attempt to sustain them during the first major crisis of the church: how to live in a hostile world in which one's enemies may be those of one's own household. The author wants to reassure Jesus' followers that their suffering will only be reinforced by Jesus' connection with them and his power in them - provided they understand what Jesus' way is. Therefore, we should be reflecting on the following:

- When and how have we observed Christians misusing the statement or the idea behind it: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me."
- What is it about Jesus "way" that sustains us during dark and troubling times?

Celebrations

2008-04-19T08:34:00.006+02:00

Last Thursday, April 16th the Holy Father turned 81during his journey to the United States of America, the most powerful country in the world, with the a large mixture of religions and sects, having Christianity in all its denominations predominant over other religions. In his journey to the states, he made various speeches and visits amongst which there were the speech to our older brethen, the Jewish Community at Park East Synagogue in New York, to the representatives of other christian communities in St. Joseph's Church in Yorkville, the United Nations which holds a worldwide mission to promote peace and justice and to the Community of Catholic Education. Amongst all these speeches and places visited in New York and Washington, the two most prestigious cities in American econonic and legislative power, Pope Benedict also planned time to meet with some victims of clergy sex abuse cases in the chapel at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington. The Pontiff had already addressed the issue on the plane before reaching American ground where he said, "It is difficult for me to understand how it was possible that priests betray in this way their mission ... to these children." He then added, "I am deeply ashamed and we will do what is possible so this cannot happen again in the future," the pope said.

Today, Saturday 19, Pope Benedict celebrates his third anniversary upon his papal election. He will be spending this day in foreign land celebrating a Votive Mass for the Universal Church with priests, men and women religious in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York and meeting with young people, seminarians and young people having disabilities at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, New York.

On a local scenario, there will be a Thanksgiving Mass led by Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona OP and the Apostolic Nuncio for the Holy See at St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta at 6:30pm to thank God on the third anniversary of the Pontiff's election. All are invited to attend.

Vocations Sunday

2008-04-11T16:56:00.002+02:00

The Roman Catholic Church will be celebrating Vocations Day on Sunday 13th April which happens to be the Fourth Sunday of Easter. On this occasion, Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona led a Concelebrated Mass and Eucharistic Adoration at the Seminary in Tal-Virtu on Thursday evening 10th April. Seminarians and students of different Religious Orders and Congregations took part.

In his homily, the Archbishop referred to the Holy Father’s message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations entitled, “Vocations at the service of the Church on mission”. The Archbishop ensouraged the seminarians and the religious students present not to be afraid of the challenges of today’s world and to give themselves fully to God for the service of all.

As custom dictates, on this particular Sunday, various seminarians visit different churches to meet the parishioners and encourage them to keep on praying for more vocations.

Life in the Spirit Seminars

2008-04-06T20:01:00.004+02:00

As from this week, there is a great opportunity for all not to miss. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal will be organising the Life in the Spirit seminars, weekly meetings kicking off as of Friday 11th April. The Life in the Spirit seminars is a formation experience and an introduction to a life lived in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Its aim is to get to know Jesus personally and not just to get to know about Him thus bringing Catholic church members to a fuller experience of life in spirit and truth as Jesus himself said.

The meetings will be held every Friday, starting from Friday 11th April up to 16th May, at 7:30pm at our church hall.

Everyone can attend! All you need is a willing heart to know Jesus better!

Fruitful meeting

2008-04-06T19:02:00.004+02:00

Last Thursday, the Secretariat for Clergy and Religious in liason with the Secretariat for the Liturgy organised a meeting about the role of modern technology and audio-visual aids in the liturgical aspects of the Mass. The meeting had good attendance and a sound responsible analysis of the topic.

The meeting started with collective prayers followed by an introduction to the meeting's schedule and aims done by Fr Jesmond. Fr Peter Serracino Inglott, a well-read priest in theology, shared his viewpoint about the importance of following the liturgy during Mass in various ways that appeal to the faithful through various means without taking off the focus from the liturgy itself. One of these means is via audio-visual aids. He also focused on the orthodoxy and connection between the Church's liturgy and modern media.

Fr Jesmond then explained the practical ways and means of how and when to use this type of technological assistance during the celebrattion of the Eucharist. He shared the experience that is currently being lived in our church, Knisja ta' l-Erwieħ, as it was the first to adopt this system. Mr Charles Bonici Mompalao, Managing Director at a renowned electronics company, spread the discussion even further by explaining the technical and logistics of this project. The vivid feeback kept the topic ongoing and produced fruitful ground for further discussion.

After the whole group of priests then spent some moments together and had lunch in the Augustinian convent in our village.

Remembering John Paul II

2008-04-02T20:03:00.006+02:00

Three years ago, the world bid farewell to a great pope, a wonderful man who had an invaluable faith in God and man and was able to speak to every person's heart despite one's culture, background or faith and set it ablaze for the Holy One.

Three years ago, on 2 April 2005 at 9:37 p.m. local time, Pope John Paul II died in the Papal Apartments while a vast crowd kept vigil in Saint Peter's Square below. Here is a brief video reminding us of the last moments of the suffering Pope.

As his words "Non abbiate paura" (do not be afraid) still resound in our ears after 30 years from the first time they have been uttered by this powerful man, we still like to remember him as the brave young charismatic leader that brought a new fresh breeze into the Church.

Beloved Karol, pray for us.

Annunciation

2008-03-31T19:14:00.006+02:00

Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Annunciation of Our Lord, locally known as Il-Lunzjata, which is the liturgical feast of our parish.

Annunciation (Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου, Evangelismós tes Theotókou in Greek) is the revelation to Mary, the mother of Jesus by the archangel Gabriel that she would conceive a child to be born the Son of God. The Catholic Church celebrate this with the feast of Annunciation on March 25, which is nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Jesus, or Christmas. This year it is being celebrated today as March 25 clashed with the Holy Week and Easter celebrations which prevail in the liturgical calendar. Thus, the Annunciation is the beginning of Jesus in His human nature. Through His mother He is a member of the human race. Therefore this feast is essential to God's plan of salvation for all the human race as it is the beginning of all.

Tonight, a Mass was celebrated at the parish church on this particular occassion. It was officiated by Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Joseph Mercieca assisted by many clerics among whom there were parish priest Fr Reuben, his vice Fr Andrew, our church's rector Fr Jesmond.

You can read the Bible passageabout the Annunciation here.
To view various paintings about the Annunciation, click here.

Divine Mercy Sunday

2008-03-29T11:18:00.003+01:00

During the Mass of canonization of St Faustina on April 30 2000, the year of the Great Jubilee, Pope John Paul II proclaimed: "It is important then that we accept the whole message that comes to us from the word of God on this Second Sunday of Easter, which from now on throughout the Church, will be called Divine Mercy Sunday." The readings on that Sunday are always about mercy, trust and the forgiveness of sins.

By the words the whole message, the Holy Father was referring to the strict connection between the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, followed by the sending of the Holy Spirit and this Feast of Divine Mercy, the Octave Day of Easter. This feast adds so much more meaning to the Easter celebrations. It was Jesus, Himself who asked for it to be celebrated on this particular Sunday following Easter.

For this reason, we are sharing with you some of the most inspiring quotations for St Faustina's Diary.

The words of Our Lord in the diary are very clear, He said, "I want the image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it. By means of the Image I shall be granting many graces to souls; so let every soul have access to it." (Diary 341, 570) The Image should be placed in the church so that everyone can see it, perhaps in the sanctuary area and at all the masses on that day so that everyone may venerate it.

Our Lord also said, "I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards souls of sinners. Tell My priests that hardened sinners will repent on hearing their words when they speak about My unfathomable mercy, about the compassion I have for them in My Heart. To priests who proclaim and extol My mercy, I will give wondrous power; I will anoint their words and touch the hearts of those to whom they will speak." (Diary, 50, 1521) Easter Sunday is the best time to proclaim God’s mercy.

Our Lord Jesus said, "The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.... Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy." (699) The plenary indulgence does not change the promises of Our Lord. Rather it provides the Church's highest mark of approval and endorsement.

Our Lord also said, "The first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy....I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me." (Diary, 742) It is clear that Our Lord wants mercy to be shown to others and this can be done by telling everyone about the special promise of the total forgiveness of sins and punishment that He has given to us.

In the Holy Father's homilies, he often refers to the words of Our Lord that are found in the diary. In his homily on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2001 in Rome he said, "It is the appropriate and incisive answer that God wanted to offer to the questions and expectations of human beings in our time, marked by terrible tragedies. Divine Mercy! This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity.'' He often quotes Our Lord by starting with "Jesus said to St. Faustina." He spoke of the Image of The Divine Mercy saying "The two rays, according to what Jesus Himself told her, denote blood and water. The blood recalls the sacrifice of Golgotha and the mystery of the Eucharist: the water makes us think of Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Spirit."

Click here to pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.
Here you can find a good document explaining Divine Mercy Sunday in more detail.

adapted from Divine Mercy Sunday

Easter with the Pope

2008-03-26T20:21:00.005+01:00

During last week, Pope Benedict XVI officiated various liturgical celebrations which we would like to share with you. Below you can read the inspiring homilies and view the unique videos of the ceremonies themselves. Enjoy!

Maundy Thurdsay:
Mass of the Lord's Supper - homily - video -

Good Friday:
Via Crucis 2008 at the Colosseum in Rome - presentation - meditation - pope's address -

Holy Saturday:
Easter Vigil Mass - homily - video -

Easter Sunday:
Easter ceremony in Latin - video -
Urbi et Orbi Message - written - video -

Easter Sunday

2008-03-23T12:38:00.004+01:00

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,while it was still dark,and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,and we don’t know where they put him. ”So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peterand arrived at the tomb first;he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him,he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,and the cloth that had covered his head,not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.Then the other disciple also went in,the one who had arrived at the tomb first,and he saw and believed.For they did not yet understand the Scripturethat he had to rise from the dead. (John 20:1-9)

Today, it doesn't only happen to be our community's feast, the Resurrection of Christ, but the Catholic Church and all Christian denominations in unity rejoice because our Lord Jesus Christ has risen! He has conquered sin and death! Let us be glad and spread the Good News!

All the clergy and helpers in our church wish you all a wonderful Easter filled with all the blessing and saving power that Jesus alone holds and gives out to all those who believe in Him.

Happy Easter to all!

Good Friday

2008-03-22T12:58:00.005+01:00

Behold the wood of the Cross on which hung the salvation of the world (Araw, din hi l-għuda tas-salib li fuqha ġie msallab is-salvatur tad-dinja) to which the faithful respond Come let us adore (Ejjew naduraw) followed by the sound of the kneelers being turned and the sight of the faithful falling to their kneels in adoration in front of the crucifix is probably the most impressive part of the Good Friday function. The dramatic unveiling and adoration of the Cross, which was introduced into the Latin Liturgy in the seventh or eighth century, had its origin in the Church of Jerusalem. Our present ceremony is an obvious development of this, where a veiled image of the Crucifix is gradually exposed to view, while the celebrant, accompanied by his assistants, sings three times the Ecce lignum Crucis.

Absolute reverent silence and an awesome liturgical rhythmic meter directed the entire ceremony. The faithful could follow the Liturgy of the Word through the various means of modern media and adequate hymns were sung by the church's choir. The celebrant, Mgr Victor Zammit McKeon, Director of the Commission for Children's Homes, delivered an inspiring homily about the historical and spiritual aspects of the passion of Christ. The concelebrants, two of whom were foreign priests from Italy and Czech Republic, were utterly examplary and helped the whole congregation to get into the spiritual sphere that was required especially on the day. This could be seen during the entrance of the Eucharist from the altar of reposition and Holy Communion.

Likewise, Maundy Thursday Mass led by Mgr Francis Bonnici, a Maltese priest working for the promotion of vocations at the Vatican, and the various concelebrants was a wonderful experience. Mgr Bonnici went through the analogy of the flight from Egypt by the Jews under Moses's leadership and the Last Supper scene. He methodologically explained the ritual of the washing of the feet and the establishment of priesthood which is basically what he dedicates hours of work and prayer throughout his ministry of fishing for new vocations. Then a flow of young and not-so-young "apostles" found their place on the altar for the ritual of the washing of the feet. It was so nice to see that the vast majority of them were young men who actually give a type of service in our own church so as to really show that christian attitude is all about service and love.

During the closure of the ceremony, every family was given the traditional maltese Qagħqa ta' l-Appostli (Apostles' Bread). The symbology behind it is essential to understand. Bread is the basis of all food and shows the hard work of many families of the time. It is also that form of food that was used in the families at Christ's time and is still used nowasays and so it doesn't only join the family members as a whole unit but also provides a link with the times of Jesus making us one with the episode of the Last Supper. It serves also as a reminder of what went on during the last few hour before Jesus' arrest.

The whole ceremony came to an end when Fr Jesmond reposed the Eucharist in the Sepulchre, or altar of reposition. That holy moment was then followed by hours of prayers by many faithful. Some preferred to pray individually, others as a family unit doing the traditional seven visits (seba' visti) while others participated in the hour of adoration in front of the Sepulchre.

The last few days were really spiritually full not just with activities and rituals but also by abundant teachings and encounters with Christ's sufferings and love for all of us.

We are all eagerly waiting for tonight's ceremony when our Lord will rise again!

2008-03-16T13:19:00.003+01:00

This week, the catholic church commemorated the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, where we see Mother Mary overwhelmed by sorrow due to the passion her son went through for the salvation of souls. We also celebrated the feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the Catholic Church and the foster-father of Jesus. Let us keep in prayer throughout all the week while invoking these two pillars of the church and Christian faith, who in silence lived fully in the presence of the Lord and knew what it means to be constantly in his presence and love.

Prayer to St. Joseph:
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, we place in you all our interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist us by your powerful intercession and obtain for us from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power we may offer our Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, we never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. We dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in our name and kiss His fine Head for us, and ask Him to return the Kiss when we draw our dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

Meditation about Our Lady of Sorrows:

"As we contemplate this Mother, whose heart a sword has pierced (cf. Luke 2:35), our thoughts go to all the suffering women in the world, suffering either physically or morally. In this suffering a woman's sensitivity plays a role, even though she often succeeds in resisting suffering better than a man. It is difficult to enumerate these sufferings; it is difficult to call them all by name. We may recall her maternal care for her children, especially when they fall sick or fall into bad ways; the death of those most dear to her; the loneliness of mothers forgotten by their grown-up children; the loneliness of widows; the sufferings of women who struggle alone to make a living; and women who have been wronged or exploited. Then there are the sufferings of consciences as a result of sin, which has wounded the woman's human or maternal dignity: the wounds of consciences which do not heal easily. With these sufferings too we must place ourselves at the foot of the Cross."
Pope John Paul II (Mulieris Dignitatem, 21)

Palm Sunday

2008-03-15T12:18:00.006+01:00

Tomorrow, the Catholic Church celebrated Palm Sunday which is the sixth sunday in Lent as well as the beginning of the Holy Week. On this day, we remember Christ entering Jerusalem on the back of a humble donkey while being hailed by His people. Jesus was heading to Jersualem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover which comemmorates the freedom of the Jewish people from Egyptian rule in Moses' times. Among the crowds surrounding Jesus and the Apostles, we hear cries of "Hosanna!" (meaning Save Us) and "Baruch haba bashem Adonai" (meaning Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord) which are words of praise the Jewish attributed only to the Messiah, the coming Saviour and Anointed One who would free them from their misery and give back God's glory to Jerusalem.

Traditionally, Catholics enact the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem by the waving of palm branches and singing songs of celebration. Sometimes this is accompanied by a processional into the church. In many churches, children are an integral part of this service since they enjoy processions and activity as a part of worship. This provides a good opportunity to involve them in the worship life of the community of Faith.

As custom dictates, during the 9:30am Mass, there will be the Palm Sunday procession around our church area followed by prayers and Mass. You are all encouraged to be there to enjoy this event which will be the beginning of the Holy Week's activities.

Activities for Children on Palm Sunday: Lay your cloak before Him; Colouring Page; Crossword Puzzle.

The Gift of Confession

2008-03-10T15:14:00.003+01:00

On 07 March 2008, the Pope received participants in a course on the "internal forum" organised by the Apostolic Penitentiary.

In his remarks, the Holy Father reflected on the administration of the Sacrament of Penance in our own day "which unfortunately", he said, "is losing the notion of sin. What is needed today is to ensure that people who confess experience that divine tenderness for penitent sinners which so many Gospel episodes express with intense emotion".

Referring to the episode of the sinful woman in the Gospel of Luke, the Pope highlighted "the eloquent message that emerges from this Gospel passage: to those who love much God forgives everything. Those who trust in themselves and in their own merits are, as it were, blinded by their own 'I' and their hearts harden in sin. On the other hand, those who recognise themselves as weak and sinful entrust themselves to God and from Him obtain grace and forgiveness. ... What is most important is to make it clear that in the Sacrament of Penance - whatever the sin committed - if sinners recognise it humbly and entrust themselves to the priest confessor, they will always experience the soothing joy of God's forgiveness".

Eucharistic Adoration

2008-03-08T17:01:00.005+01:00

With His blood, He cleansed us
With His cross, He saved us
With His body, He gave us new life

Join us for an hour of intimacy with the Blessed Sacrament on

Thursday 13th at 7pm.

Raising Lazarus

2008-03-08T15:49:00.004+01:00

This Sunday, the Fifth Sunday in Lent, the Gospel tells us the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It took place during Jesus' Perean ministry during the last year of his life and it is a spiritually-moving and faith-building event that truly reveals the nature of real miracles and displays the power of the Son of God. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha, who were personal friends of Jesus. Jesus had a very special relationship with these people. Lazarus and his sisters lived in Bethany, which was about two miles from Jerusalem. Lazarus and his sisters were evidently financially successful. The miraculous raising of Lazarus, as was the case with Jesus' miracles in general, was acknowledged as real even by his enemies.

The purpose of Lazarus' sickness.
We often do not understand the purpose of many of the events of life. In fact, some incidents may be without purpose. However, Lazarus' death had a purpose. His sickness was "not unto death". Lazarus' sickness did result in unquestionable death, but death was not to be the permanent end result. The sickness and death of Lazarus had a higher purpose, "for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby". This miracle would also strengthen the faith of Jesus' disciples and many of the observers.

The reason Jesus delayed coming to Bethany.
Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother was sick, but Jesus delayed going to Bethany. They believed Jesus would come and heal their brother. Jesus did not delay out of indifference or because he was too busy. Jesus knew there was a more important purpose to Lazarus' sickness that took priority over Mary and Martha's anxiety. How many times we believe a matter should be thus and so, but just as Mary and Martha we do not understand the intent of God! Jesus was firm and even though he loved these people greatly, he put duty first. Sometimes it may appear that God does not care for his people, but could it be that since he knows the future that he does not grant the immediate request?

Some observations regarding death.
Jesus referred to Lazarus' death as a sleep. The death of saints is often considered to be sleep (Mt 27:52; Acts 7:60). Such an allusion is not because death is annihilation or unconsciousness, but because sleep is incompatible with suffering, weariness, or pain (Lk 16:19-31).

Some considerations relative to Lazarus' resurrection.
Jesus came to the tomb and commanded that the rock be removed. Lazarus had been in the grave for four days already. As a consequence, decay had already begun. Lazarus was wrapped in the typical grave clothes. Jesus had already raised Jairus' daughter while her body was still in her father's house (Mk 5:35-43). He had also raised the widow's son while the body was being carried to the place of burial (Lk 7:11-17). However, there is not a recorded case of Jesus raising one whose body was already in the state of decay.

All attention was focused on Jesus when he "cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth". Jesus did not doubt his abilities to raise his friend and he was not afraid to have this miracle performed out in the open and to his utter disadvantage, had Jesus been a fake. We are told, "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin…". Lazarus' death was so certain and the miracle so definitive that Jesus' enemies were put in a quandary. "Then gathered the chief priests and Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles," we are told. The raising of Lazarus displays a real miracle. Let those today who perform "lying wonders" go to the graveyard and resurrect one known to be dead, whose body is already in a state of decay! Let us also appreciate the fact that this miracle was not performed for the sake of Lazarus nor his sisters, but for the glory of God and to produce faith in the witnesses. The word of God today is designed to produce faith (Rom 10:17).

What the resurrection of Lazarus means to Christians.
This recorded miracle serves as more proof as to Jesus' deity. Moreover, a bodily resurrection is not too hard for Jesus. About thirty years subsequent to the raising of Lazarus, Paul said to Agrippa, "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?" (Acts 26:8). Jesus said to Martha in the context of Lazarus' resurrection, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he lives".

In conclusion, let us realize that while the account of the raising of Lazarus is indeed moving, Christ can and shall raise all the dead at the last day. Consider this statement: "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (Jn 5:28,29). The one who raised Lazarus also died, but was raised to die no more and became the "firstfruits of them that slept" (I Cor 15: 20, Rom 1:4).

Catholic Blog Awards 2008

2008-03-04T19:04:00.004+01:00

Once more, our blog has been nominated for the catholic blog awards. It has been nominated for the Best Designed Blog and Best Blog by a Priest and/or Group.

Voting began today at noon and will end on Monday March 17, 2008 at Noon. In order to vote for the best catholic blogs available, you must go to the Catholic Blog Award 2008 Website and create an account. Click the "Create New Account" link at the left and you will then have access to those features.

Whatever you do for the least of these ...

2008-03-02T18:47:00.006+01:00

As a Lenten project, our church has embraced the call of help that Mission Fund is making to all believers. This summer, many Maltese volunteers, some of which from our own community, will be going to Tanzania to help the poor. They will be distributing food, building schools and homes, giving an education to the children and most of all spreading God's love among them.

We are now asking you to join us in this mission. You can help by praying for these people in need and for the Maltese volunteers who will embark on this adventure as well as by giving a material helping hand. We are collecting various preserved cans containing beef, tuna, sausages, sauces, beans, peas, milk, coffee, packets of teabags, sugar and flour. Stationary items are also needed. If you wish to help us, please bring your offering to the church any time and we will make sure to donate it to the Mission Fund.

From darkness to light

2008-03-02T18:01:00.003+01:00

Through today’s gospel, John describes how the Pharisees were opposed to Jesus from the very beginning of his public life (see Jn 3 & 7). He mixed with publicans and sinners; he preached mercy and forgiveness. Many of the common people all over the country and in Jerusalem itself were becoming his disciples, and this meant that the Pharisees were losing followers and temple revenue. Their personal pride was being hurt and their privileges were being weakened. They would have long ago put an end to his mission, but “his hour had not yet come” (Jn 7: 30).

Today’s story shows up this pride and prejudice. They at first refuse to admit a miracle had occurred. When the parents convince them that the cured man is their son who was born blind, they attribute the miracle to a sinner but the cured man shows them this is impossible. They then put the man aside and they remain convinced that the worker of this miracle is not from God, not the Messiah, but an impostor.

In today's world, the Pharisees have long since disappeared from history, but there are thousands still among us who, blinded by the same pharisaical pride and prejudice, refuse to see the truths of God’s revelation as made known to mankind in its fullness by the incarnation and the teaching of Christ. They refuse to admit that God exists or that Christ existed, or that if he did he was the Son of God, who became man in order to make us sons of God and heirs of heaven. In their pride they claim to be absolute masters of their own fate, and they seem or pretend to be happy that fate will end in the death of the body.

Pharisees are not content to keep their irrational unbelief to themselves, but want others to join them. They are ever ready to do their same errors and to accuse believers of childish faith and folly. We accept their accusations; we are thankful to God and to his beloved Son, Christ, that we have been given the light of faith. Our reason tells us that the marvellous gifts we have are not from ourselves but were given us by a loving God who by the act of creation shared his own goodness with all creatures, but especially with man whom he made “in his own image and likeness.”

Christ, “the light of the world,” to whom the Pharisees and their modern followers shut their eyes lest they see, is our light and our delight. Through the gift of faith, he has given us a spiritual eyesight, which, while it cannot dispel all the shadows and discomforts of this life, opens up to us a glorious unending future where our God-given gifts will at last find their true purpose, their true satisfaction.

May God shed some of this light on those who in their folly ignore and deny him, and may he never let us falter in our faith and in our fidelity to the baptismal promises which we made to him when, through his grace and generosity, we became his chosen children of light.

This teaching was delivered by Fr Kevin O’Sullivan OFM

Food for thought

2008-02-25T18:47:00.004+01:00

We came across this wonderful song Do they see Jesus in Me? by Joy Williams, a famous worship leader in christian contemporary music and we wanted to share it with you all. Listen to the wonderful song and read the lyrics. Ponder on the words and let them sink into your heart. It is a wonderful way how to start your quiet prayer time during this season of Lent.

Do They See Jesus In Me

Is the face that I see in the mirror
the one I want others to see?
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life
The love that You've given to me?
My heart's desire is to be like You
In all that I do, all I am.

Do they see Jesus In Me?
Do they recognize Your face?
Do I communicate Your love, and Your grace?
Do I reflect who You are
In the way I choose to be?
Do they see Jesus In Me?

It's amazing that you'd ever use me
But use me the way You will
Help me to hold out a heart of
compassionate grace
A heart that Your spirit fills
May I show forgiveness and mercy
The same way You've shown it to me

Now I want to show all the world who You are
The reason I live and breathe
So You'll be the One that they see
When they see me

Vocations and Pastoral Letter

2008-02-23T22:07:00.005+01:00

Last week, we witnessed the experience of a spirit-filled dynamic young seminarian, Luke Seguna who also comes from our village. We have met this future priest in various occasions at our church, the latter being during the eucharistic adoration led by the Archbishop last December. However, having a young seminarian present in the church during all the Mass celebrations mixing with people yet being of an exemplary testimony is definitely a wonderful omen for the future of the local church. The Holy See celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on April 13 which also happens to be the fourth Sunday of Easter.

We would like to thank all those who gave their contribution during the special monetary collection. However, above all, we ask you to keep all seminarians in your prayers that God may mould and strengthen them according to His well as well as empower them to accomplish the mission that He entrusted in theie hearts. Let us also pray for more youth to embrace this call to serve Jesus in the Church. Here are some prayers that you can say for new vocations.

***

Yesterday, Friday 22, the Catholic Church commemorated the Feast of the Chair of St Peter. The Cathedra Petri (in Latin) or Chair of Saint Peter is a relic conserved in St Peter's Basilica in Rome, enclosed in a gilt bronze casing that was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and executed between 1647-53. The chair is inspired by Jesus's words to Peter in Matthew 16:18-19, "You are Peter, and upon this Rock, I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. To you have I entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

***

This Sunday, which is also the Third Sunday in Lent, Archbishop Cremona and Bishop Grech issued a Pastoral Letter regarding the general elections to take place in March 2008. The pastoral letter is entitled "Towards a more united people" and focuses on peace, unity, justice and our responsability as Christians to keep our values and Catholic beliefs firm in Christ.

Lenten reflection about Samaritan woman

2008-02-23T12:38:00.005+01:00

This reflection on the story of Jesus conversation with the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:7-42) is used in the Roman Office of Readings for Sunday of the third week in Lent. It is taken from Augustine's Treatise on the Gospel of John (Tract.15, 10-12, 16-17: CCL 36, 154-156) written by St. Augustine in the early 5th Century.

A woman came. She is a symbol of the Church not yet made righteous. Righteousness follows from the conversation. She came in ignorance, she found Christ, and he enters into conversation with her. Let us see what it is about, let us see why a Samaritan woman came to draw water. The Samaritans did not form part of the Jewish people: they were foreigners. The fact that she came from a foreign people is part of the symbolic meaning, for she is a symbol of the Church. The Church was to come from the Gentiles, of a different race from the Jews.

We must then recognise ourselves in her words and in her person, and with her give our own thanks to God. She was a symbol, not the reality; she foreshadowed the reality, and the reality came to be. She found faith in Christ, who was using her as a symbol to teach us what was to come. She came then to draw water. She had simply come to draw water; in the normal way of man or woman.

Jesus says to her: Give me water to drink. For his disciples had gone to the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore says to him: How is it that you, though a Jew, ask me for water to drink, though I am a Samaritan woman? For Jews
have nothing to do with Samaritans.

The Samaritans were foreigners; Jews never used their utensils. The woman was carrying a pail for drawing water. She was astonished that a Jew should ask her for a drink of water, a thing that Jews would not do. But the one who was asking for a drink of water was thirsting for her faith. Listen now and learn who it is that asks for a drink.

Jesus answered her and said: If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”, perhaps you might have asked him and he would have given you living water.

He asks for a drink, and he promises a drink. He is in need, as one hoping to receive, yet he is rich, as one about to satisfy the thirst of others. He says: If you knew the gift of God. The gift of God is the Holy Spirit. But he is still using veiled language as he speaks to the woman and gradually enters into her heart. Or is he already teaching her? What could be more gentle and kind than the encouragement he gives? If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”, perhaps you might ask and he would give you living water.

What is this water that he will give if not the water spoken of in Scripture: With you is the fountain of life? How can those feel thirst who will drink deeply from the abundance in your house?

He was promising the Holy Spirit in satisfying abundance. She did not yet understand. In her failure to grasp his meaning, what was her reply? The woman says to him: Master, give me this drink, so that I may feel no thirst or come here to draw water. Her need forced her to this labor, her weakness shrank from it. If only she could hear those words: Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Jesus was saying this to her, so that her labors might be at an end; but she was not yet able to understand.

Great evening!

2008-02-15T22:42:00.005+01:00

Yesterday's adoration was really an awesome experience of intimacy with Christ. The Mass preceeding the adoration was celebrated by Fr Charles Grech OFM who led the inspiring spiritual exercises for the whole week. Fr Jesmond concelebrated and then led the hour long eucharistic adoration. The music ministry was led by Claudio Laferla, who usually animates the Saturday evening Mass, and was aided by Lino Seychell, a spirit-led worship leader.

The meditations during the adoration focused on the hands of Christ from his infancy, through his ministry up till his passion on the cross. Moments of silence cradled the faithful into a personal introspection about their individual lives. The priests then anointed the faithful's hands with oil as a sign of their commitment to fullfill the call in their lives.

Such a wonderful experience helped many people who were present to pray intensely during this season of reflection.

Eucharistic Adoration

2008-02-09T16:34:00.000+01:00

ANIMATED EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Thursday 14 February
from 7PM to 8PM

St Paul's Shipwreck

2008-02-09T16:03:00.001+01:00

The fresco portraying the shipwreck of St Paul in Malta is by Nicolò Circignani, known as Pomarancio and can be seen on the West Wall of the Meridian Hall on the Vatican premises.

When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.

The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety.

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. (Acts 27:39-44, Acts 28:1-2)

Today, the Catholic Church comemorates the Shipwreck of St Paul. This is a great feast for our country as it was this bold preacher of the Word who brought the Christian faith in our country. In fact, for this reason, he is also the patron of our small nation. Click here to refer back to the posts about St Paul and the Pauline Year.

Temptations

2008-02-09T15:28:00.000+01:00

"Then was Jesus led up by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (Matthew 4.1)

In the Gospel lesson for this First Sunday in Lent, we have St. Matthew's account of the temptations of Jesus. John the Baptist had come out of the wilderness, preaching the baptism of repentance and the advent of the Kingdom of God.

In the baptism of Jesus, John's mission was fulfilled: here was the longed-for Messiah, "he that should come." (Matthew 11.3) Here was the Messiah, sealed by the descent of the Spirit, and the divine commendation, "this is my beloved Son." (Matthew 3.17) Here, at last, was the bringing in of God's new kingdom, looked for by the prophets and martyrs of Israel, present but not spelled out in the hopes of the Gentile wise men. The hopes and expectations, the desires and longings of countless years, all came to a focus in this man from Nazareth.

This was no ordinary moment. But what, more precisely, was his vocation and his kingdom? That was yet to be made clear.

"Then was Jesus led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." And there, in the wilderness, an explanation comes. God's kingdom, the age-long conflict of good and evil, of light and darkness, is i n this moment fully explained. In general, the things of darkness are things obscure and confused, muddled and indefinite; but the coming of light makes them plain. In the clear simplicity of the desert, away from all the familiar distractions, the conflict becomes an open one: the devil, that is to say, is manifest. And in the temptations of Jesus, the nature and forms of that conflict are made clear.

First, he is tempted to turn stores into bread. The devil wants him to turn the divine power to essentially worldly ends, to satisfy the demands of the senses. Not that there is anything evil about being hungry and wanting to eat, but the temptation lies in seeing such satisfactions as the purpose of his vocation and the point of God's kingdom. But the Kingdom of God does not consist in eating and drinking; so it does not consist in devices to make the world more comfortable and convenient. "Man does not live by bread alone, but by the whole Word of God."

The second temptation is to test - and that is what "tempt" really means - to test the divine powers: "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down." It is the temptation to measure the divine power, to control and manipulate the divine spirit, according to one's own terms. It is the temptation to try to have God under control. But God's Kingdom and its miracles have nothing to do with using God for human purposes. The miracles of God's Kingdom have quite another character and purpose than this. "Thou shall not test the Lord thy God."

The third temptation is the most fundamental, and indeed it is the root of all others. It is the ancient diabolical temptation of Adam: "to be as God." It is the temptation to see one's finite self in the place of God, to be oneself the absolute measure of everything. That is really to worship the devil. "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." It is, of course, an illusion, a futile pride and ambition, because it is untrue to the absolute reality of God, and his order of creation. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

"Then the devil leaveth him." That is to say, the devil is unmasked, the illusions are revealed for what they are. They are the temptation to use God for worldly ends, and the temptation to regard one's human self as God. Once they are unmasked, of course, they are absurd there is nothing so absurd as the devil - but human kind has great capacity for blindness and self-deception.

"And behold, angels came and ministered unto him." With the temptations dispelled, Jesus is free in his vocation and mission. The perspective is right, and the angels, the justice of God's universe, will serve him.

These temptations of Jesus represent the essential forms of all temptation; they are our temptations, and the temptations of the Church. They are the illusions that we can use the divine spirit for worldly ends, that we can make God subject to our whims and idle curiosities, that we can be as absolute as God.

In this season of Lent we are led up by the Spirit into the wilderness; and the point is that we should be made free from our illusions. For this, a kind of wilderness, or a certain quiet, is necessary. It seems that the world goes faster every day, and that we are increasingly consumed by its complex busyness. There is noise and activity everywhere and always. It comes to pass that there is no time or place for quiet reflection. We are hidden to ourselves, muddled and confused about ourselves, and inclined to measure everything in terms of immediate worldly ends. And that is the very devil.

A certain wilderness is necessary for the clarifying of the Spirit. Turn off the noise for a bit, and shun the continual distractions for awhile. There is a powerful modern prejudice in favour of busyness; even the Church seems determined to keep us busy. Even when we have retreats, which used to betimes of quietness, the inclination now is to turn them into conferences with discussion groups.

The ancient Christian hermits, the "Desert Fathers," as they are called, had a point when they claimed that the real battles of the spirit, the real confrontations with our devils, take place in quiet and isolation. Lent calls us to participate, at least in some small way, in that flight to the desert, to try to see ourselves clearly in the undistracted light of God's word, to identify our illusions so as to be free of them.

Impractical, perhaps, in some sense, but then, what really is practical? "What does it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16.26) Our supposed practicality can be very soul destroying. Genuine practicality, purposeful activity, requires a clearness of perspective and a dispelling of illusions.

That is what today's Gospel is about, and that is what our Lent should be about, "lest," as St. Paul says, "we receive the grace of God in vain."

St. John, in his first Epistle, summing up the three forms of temptation, puts the matter this way: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2.15-17)

Amen. +

Source: Dr. Robert Crouse

A Call to Conversion

2008-02-07T20:45:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, the Catholic Church opened the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday's ceremonies where the Scriptural quotations "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mk 1:15), "Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return" (Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris)(Genesis 3:19) and "Repent, and hear the good news!" (Mk 1:15)resound mostly. Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express penitence. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent's way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults.

Yesterday, even our parish celebrated the beginning of this penitential season with a ceremony in which many of the faithful participated. The Mass was a nice symbol of unity between different attendees of several churches within our parish. The adoration of the Cross that followed the Mass was organised by the three major pageant groups in our village. The meditations focused on the face, hands and feet of Christ. They were highly inspirational and profound in thought. The activity ended with prayers in front of the Sacrament and the blessing.

On a wider catholic spectrum, during his general audience, Pope Benedict reminded all the faithful that Lent is a time to return to God's loving embrace and to remember that true happiness can only come from being a friend of Jesus. Many of us are distracted by our busy lives and blinding sins and it is very easy to focus on trivial things in life and forget the only source of life: Jesus. During this journey of reflection, the Pontiff calls us to a new conversion. He invites us all to "letting oneself be overcome by Jesus and with him return to the Father." This phrase reminded me of a famous hymn of praise saying:

Father God I Wonder how I managed
to exist without the knowledge
of Your parenthood and Your loving care
Now I am Your son, I am adopted in Your family
and I will never be alone (x3)
'cause Father God You're there beside me
I will sing Your praises (x2)
I will sing Your praises for evermore(x2)

"In reality, the only joy that makes the human heart overflow is that which comes from God" because humanity thirsts for a joy that is infinite and resistant to being quashed by daily worries, he said. "The invitation to conversion then is an incentive to return to the embrace of God – a warm and merciful father, to trust in him and put oneself in his hands like adopted children rejuvenated by his love," said the pope.

What auspicious thoughts! We should all welcome such great news and try just for once, one Lenten season at a time to take it seriously, as a personal intimate journey inspired by Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit with a target to reach the Father in heaven.

At the moment, I am reading a very interesting book about the Passion of Christ that I warmheartidly suggest you to read if you want to go deeper into the sufferings of Christ. Basically, it contains meditations and explanations on the Gospels of the Passion.

The book is called He Loved Them to the End: Meditations on the Gospels of the Passion by Fr Gabriele Cingolani, CP. It begins with the Last Supper, goes through the Agony in the Garden, to the trial before Annas and Caiphas and the trial before Pontius Pilate and Herod, to the carrying of the Cross and Christ's death on Calvary, and finally to his resurrection three days later.

Plenary Indulgence on Lourdes anniversary

2008-02-04T12:16:00.000+01:00

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. On the occasion of the celebrations, Pope Benedict XVI has extended the opportunity for the faithful to receive a plenary or full indulgence.

According to a decree made public today and signed by Cardinal James Francis Stafford and Bishop Gianfranco Girotti OFM Conv, respectively penitentiary major and regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, Benedict XVI will grant the faithful Plenary Indulgence for the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes.

"The forthcoming 150th anniversary of the day in which Mary Most Holy, revealing herself as the Immaculate Conception to Bernadette Soubirous, wished a shrine to be erected and venerated in the place known as 'Massabielle' in the town of Lourdes," the decree reads, "calls to mind the innumerable series of prodigies through which the supernatural life of souls and the health of bodies has drawn great advantage from the omnipotent goodness of God."

The faithful who venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary in the place 'upon which her feet trod,' draw nourishment from the Holy Sacraments, express the firm intention to lead future Christian lives of increasing faithfulness" are able to "achieve a vivid perception of the significance of the Church,” the prelates note.

The connection between Mary and the church is also evident in the events of Lourdes. In the year 1854 the Church declared that Mary was conceived without sin, which is known as the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Only four years later, when the apparitions of Mary to St. Bernadette took place "Mary Most Holy showed herself to ... Bernadette Soubirous using the words of the dogmatic definition: 'I am the Immaculate Conception,'"the decree explains.

"In order to draw increased fruits of renewed sanctity from this holy anniversary," the decree explains, "the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI has decided to concede the gift of Plenary Indulgence" to the faithful under the usual conditions (sacramental Confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer in keeping with the intentions of the Holy Father), in the following ways:

The first way to obtain the indulgence is to visit the following places in Lourdes between December 8, 2007 and December 8, 2008, preferably in the order suggested:
(1) the parish baptistery used for the Baptism of Bernadette,
(2) the Soubirous family home, known as the 'cachot,'
(3) the Grotto of Massabielle,
(4) the chapel of the hospice where Bernadette received First Communion.

On each occasion they pause for an appropriate length of time in prayer and with pious meditations, concluding with the recital of the Our Father, the Profession of Faith, ... and the jubilee prayer or other Marian invocation."

If the faithful are not in Lourdes, but wish to receive the plenary indulgence, then during the week of the anniversary of the first apparition, which is the week of February 2, 2008 through February 11, 2008, and they must visit “in any church, grotto or decorous place, the blessed image of that same Virgin of Lourdes, solemnly exposed for public veneration, and before the image participate in a pious exercise of Marian devotion, or at least pause for an appropriate space of time in prayer and with pious meditations, concluding with the recital of the Our Father, the Profession of Faith, ... and the invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary."

There is also a provision for those who are unable to fulfill the previous two ways of obtaining the indulgence. Those who "through sickness, old age or other legitimate reason are unable to leave their homes, may still obtain the Plenary Indulgence ... if, with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin and with the intention of observing, as soon as they can, the usual three conditions, on the days February 2 to 11, 2008, in their hearts they spiritually visit the above-mentioned places and recite those prayers, trustingly offering to God, through Mary, the sickness and discomforts of their lives."

Lenten Pastoral Letter

2008-02-02T10:13:00.001+01:00

As the Catholic Church always tries to catch up with the new modern technologies and embark on a perilous voyage to convey Chirst's message in a more appealing way to the faithful than the traditional means, this year the pastoral letter preceeding the Lenten season was recorded on DVD. However, there's more to the message than meets the eye. Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona OP presents us a pastoral letter entitled "Min irid jimxi warajja" (meaning, "He who wants, follows Me"). The letter speaks about the relevance of God in our daily lives, the place he has in each and every heart, the authenicity of values and the thirst of humanity for something true and meaningful. It also explains the importance of prayer, fasting and charity during this season of introspection and it urges the faithful to commit themselves during this period to these three spiritual weapons.

Here you can read a pamphlet showing twelve of the most important parts of the pastoral letter (ittra pastorali 2008) that will be distributed to all Maltese households.

Here, you can read the full text of the pastoral letter that is to be viewed during the Mass to be celebrated tonight and tomorrow.

United in Prayer

2008-02-01T16:20:00.000+01:00

Next week, we will be celebrating Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season. Our parish will be organising a special event where the faithful will all gather in prayer as a proclamation of the importance of this season of reflection. The service will start at 5:30pm at our church followed by a procession towards the parish church where Fr. Reuben and Fr. Jesmond will be celebrating Mass at 6pm. The ceremony will be followed by moments of meditation. This activity will also be a unique event in which the three groups who put up Passion Pageants in our village, will be united in prayer to prepare spiritually for the commencement of this time of reflection.

All of you are invited and encouraged to participate in this event.

St. Paul moves to 9/02

2008-01-31T23:17:00.000+01:00

A few days ago, we were all celebrating Christ's birth and all of a sudden we now realise that the first month of the year is over. This year, Febraury brings along with it quite a loaded baggage of liturgical celebrations. Since this year, St. Paul's Feast, patron of our country, falls on the first Sunday of Lent, the liturgy of this feast cannot be celebrated on its proper day which is 10th February. Thus, just for this year, the Archbishop of Malta and Bishop of Gozo will be moving the feast to Saturday 9th. A circular from the Conference of Bishops annonuces this change in calendar and encourages the faithful to celebrate the Eucharist on Saturday even though just for this year, there will be no obligation of hearing Mass.

Sunday Gospel

2008-01-26T09:12:00.000+01:00

On Sunday's Gospel, Jesus chooses the twelve men who will accompnay him throughout his three years of preaching, teaching, healing and struggles. These chosen men were fortunate enough to get to know him closely and observe every minute movement of his. They got to speak to him, confide in him, listen to him and be in his presence all the time. They were his friends and they shared everything with him. We, too, as Christians, are called to live such a life. We are called to be Apostles and be constantly in his presence through prayer and faith. We dwell in his presence when we listen, read and meditate on his words in the Scripture and as Catholics we are in total communion with him when we receive the Holy Host. However that is not enough. Jesus didn't spend all that time with the apostles just to make them feel good about themselves or in communion with God. He preached repentence, forgiveness, love, purity and mercy. Above all, he ordered his followers to pass on the message and spread it throughout all the nations. We, too, are obliged to execute Christ's commands and spread the Gospel. However, we have to start in our own families by being united in prayer and instilling a solid Christian faith in out children. Introduce Jesus into your family life, help your kids get accustomed to the word of God and pray together.

Remember what Christ said:

Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them. (Matthew 18:20)

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Our Father of Faith & Benedict's Pauline Year

2008-01-24T16:17:00.001+01:00

The Pauline Year, called by Benedict XVI in 2007, will run from 28 June 2008 to 29 June 2009. It will commemorate the second millennium of the birth of St. Paul.

Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo and other basilica officials presented the schedule today at a conference in the Vatican press office. The cardinal noted activities ranging from a rediscovery of the apostle through rereading his letters to a pilgrimage to his tomb. The year's activities aim to revitalize faith and encourage prayer and work for Christian unity.

Scheduled activities include a pastoral program (with daily ordinary and extraordinary liturgical celebrations, meetings for prayer and the sacrament of penance) and a cultural-artistic program (with exhibitions, publications, postage stamps, the coining of a special medal, and the issue of a stamp and a €2 coin by the Governorate of Vatican City State).

Cardinal Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo also focused on the ecumenical elements of the Pauline Year program. He noted that the chapel currently used as the baptistery, located between the basilica and the cloister of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will become an "Ecumenical Chapel, maintaining its characteristic baptismal font but designated as a place in which to offer our Christian brethren a special place for prayer, either within their own groups or together with Catholics, without the celebration of the sacraments."

This chapel will also be used to house the remains of St. Timothy of Antioch and of other unknown fourth-century martyrs, which were discovered in the hypogeum of St. Paul during restoration work on the basilica in 2006.

A website detailing events for the Pauline Year is available in Italian and another one in English.

Source: zenit.org

The Chair and the Cross

2008-01-20T21:58:00.000+01:00

Recently two works of art were inaugurated in our church, namely the presidential chair and the cross. Fr. Jesmond gives the following explanation about these artefacts.

The Cross

Every liturgical book has an introduction, which gives, besides other things an explanation of the signs and symbols used during that particular ritual act. The introduction to the Roman Missal states clearly that "there should be a cross on the altar or near it, easily seen by the congregation." Why? What is its significance? The cross should call to mind the passion, triumphant resurrection and the final coming in glory of Christ. The cross is also a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, which is made sacramentally present during Mass to which the faithful participate.

The Celebrant’s Chair

First of all, one has to keep in mind that the priest presiding over the liturgy does so in the person of Christ. Through the words, gestures and person of the priest, Christ meets his people. In other words, uniting for worship is gathering around Christ present in the priest.

The chair emphasises this presence and role of Christ in the liturgy. Even outside the celebration, the chair reminds us of this presence.

Given the importance of this ritual object, we sought the advice of the church’s architect, Mgr. Valerio Vigorelli of the Scuola Beato Angelico to harmonise its design with the other elements in the church like the altar and lectern. Looking at the final product, one of the chair’s merits is that it is not too dominant or throne-like, for the priest, though presiding over the faithful, is himself a member of that assembly. Moreover, the chair itself and the priest when seated are clearly visible by the congregation.

Sunday Gospel

2008-01-19T15:06:00.000+01:00

In the very first chapter of his gospel, John uses several different titles to describe Jesus and his identity: the Word who "was in the beginning with God" and "became flesh", the Lamb of God,Son of God, Rabbi, Messiah, King of Israel, Son of Man.

This Sunday’s brief gospel begins with the title "Lamb of God" and ends with "Son of God".

In between these titles are three further descriptions disclosing something about the identity of Jesus: he takes away the sins of the world, he ranks ahead of and existed before John , he is filled with the Spirit.

The first title, "Lamb of God", has many connotations. Possibly the primary reference is to Jesus as the Passover Lamb.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus is condemned to death just as the paschal lambs are being slaughtered; and, like the Passover lamb, none of his bones are broken.

The image of the Lamb also evokes thoughts of the sacrificial lamb slaughtered to make atonement for sin, or the glorious Lamb of Revelation, and even the Suffering Servant who is led to death "like a lamb to the slaughter".

The last title in this passage is "Son of God". John uses many titles that include the word "son": Son of Man, Son of God, only son, and "the Son". This relational term suggests intimacy with the Father who loves the Son and is indeed one with the Son.

As such, Jesus does what God alone can do: judge, raise the dead, and give life. Jesus’ doing what God does implies what Thomas boldly asserts: Jesus is "Lord and God".

In this Sunday’s gospel passage, note the close connection between the identity and mission of Jesus: because he is Son of God, Jesus "takes away the sins of the world".

Ordination Anniversary

2008-01-19T13:55:00.000+01:00

On the occasion of the first anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination, Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona O.P. will be celebrating a Thanksgiving Concelebrated Mass at St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, on Friday, 25 January 2008, at 6pm. An intra-diocesan circular encourages members of the Church to pray to God to protect and sustain the Archbishop “so that he will contribute towards our spiritual welfare, through his words and example, to lead us with him to eternal happiness.”

Mgr. Cremona was ordained archbishop on 26 January 2007. On the same day, he began his service as Archbishop of Malta.

Say Cheese!

2008-01-13T15:06:00.000+01:00

Finally, we can publish the photos of the latest activities throughout December.

Click below to view the photos of these activities or else click on photo gallery in the siderbar:

>> Anniversary of Church Consecration led by Archbishop Emeritus Mgr. Mercieca
>> Christmas Eve Musical and the Traditional Priedka tat-Tifel
>> Mass and Eucharistic Adoration led by Archbishop Mgr. Cremona
>> Breakfast with Santa - Kids' Christmas Party

The Baptism of Our Lord

2008-01-12T13:55:00.000+01:00

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord. This brings to an end the season of Christmas. The Church recalls Our Lord's second manifestation or epiphany which occurred on the occasion of His baptism in the Jordan. Jesus descended into the River to sanctify its waters and to give them the power to beget sons of God. The event takes on the importance of a second creation in which the entire Trinity intervenes. In fact, we see the Father in heaven who speaks and says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Then we see the Son who is being baptised by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit who in the form of a dove descends upon and overshadows Jesus.

It would be really inspiring and self-edifying if all Catholic families would show their children their Christening pictures, videos or any other mementos and explain to them the real meaning of the event - accepting Christ as one's role model in life and becoming full members of the Church. Such an activity would be really nice to end up with a short prayer:

Collect: Almighty, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan, you revealed him as your own beloved Son. Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Spending time with God

2008-01-09T21:36:00.000+01:00

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. (Psalm 50:1)

How many times have we stepped on our church’s doorstep to celebrate Sunday Mass with loads of thoughts hovering through our head? How many times have we been grumbling that the priest is taking too long while he is delivering his homily? How many times have we been thinking about what we will be doing after Mass ends during the consecration? How many times did we see people leaving the church during Holy Communion?

This is pretty common especially in our modern society full of distractions and filled up agendas. We have to find time for our job or school duties, children, parents, friends, hobbies and even pets. It seems as if all of us make time for every sort of activity and meeting but not for Christ. He seems to be the odd one out or at least the last item we try to cram in our weekly timetable. Most of us are so used to be surrounded by noise and commotion that we almost find it strange and uncomfortable to stop for a moment and listen to nothing, to that silence that speaks to our inmost being. Silence has a very strong yet sweet voice that helps us to detach ourselves from our daily chaos and focus more on what is going on in our lives, in our hearts, mind, body and soul. It helps us to reflect about what’s going strong and what is going bad. Everyone needs to stop a second and reflect about the direction he is leading his life to because once one takes the wrong turning, one might be missing a lot of good things and experiences in life. That’s why it is always important to check our lives with what Jesus teaches us in the Scripture.

However, reflection cannot be done in a noisy place full of people where one can be easily disturbed. The place for prayer is to be free from distractions. This means it should be isolated from other people, telephones or other distraction. The same place should be used if possible, especially as one first begins to practice it. Familiarity with a location reduces the possibility of distraction away from the prayer. The church, where there is the tangible presence of God in the species of the Blessed Sacrament, is the ideal place for meditation and contemplation. Most of us get motivated into reflection and introspection by looking at things or objects that help us focus more on what is going inside us. Inside the church there can also be paintings, mosaics, statues, inscriptions or any other visual objects that can help us to concentrate more on the spiritual exercise. Even our church has a lot of iconic items that can help us to concentrate on the Word of God.

The method we are going to describe is called the Lectio Divina, a latin phrase for Divine Reading and it dates back to 220 AD however it is still much in use and very effective as it can be easily personalised. A short prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time helps to set the tone and improve the effectiveness of the quiet time.

Lectio (meaning “read”): First, choose a Scripture reading to meditate about. If you are in doubt which reading to choose, you can always check with the Daily Mass Gospel. Read the passage slowly several times.

Meditatio (meaning “meditate”): Reflect on the text of the passage, thinking about how to apply to one's own life. Focus on any particular phrase or word that seems to be of particular importance. This should not be confused with exegesis, but is a very personal reading of the Scripture and application to one's own life.

Oratio (meaning “pray”): Respond to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not an intellectual exercise, but an intuitive conversation or dialogue with God.

Contemplatio (meaning “contemplate”): Listen to God. This is a freeing oneself from one's own thoughts, both mundane and holy. It is about hearing God talk to us. Opening our mind, heart and soul to the influence of God. Any conversation must allow for both sides to communicate, and this most unfamiliar act is allowing oneself to be open to hearing God speak.

Treasure these moments of intimacy with God. Keep a diary of the various Scripture readings, thoughts, inspirations and reflections you might feel or experience during this time. Using the same time every day leads to a daily habit of prayer that becomes highly effective.

Epiphany of the Lord

2008-01-05T13:26:00.000+01:00

In western Christian tradition, January 6th is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names in various church traditions. In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day. Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day. In following this older custom of counting the days beginning at sunset, the evening of January 5th is the Twelfth Night.

The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by doing so "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King. The Wise Men or Magi who brought the famous gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus were the first Gentiles to acknowledge Jesus as "King" and so were the first to "show" or "reveal" Jesus to a wider world as the incarnate Christ. This act of worship by the Magi, which corresponded to Simeon’s blessing that this child Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32), was one of the first indications that Jesus came for all people, of all nations, of all races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few.

In the Catholic Church, the colours of Epiphany are usually the colours of Christmas, white and gold, symbolising celebration, newness, and hope that mark the most sacred days of the church year. In traditions that only observe a single day for Epiphany, the colours are often changed after Epiphany to the colours of Ordinary Time, usually green or thematic sanctuary colours.

Happy New Year 2008!

2008-01-01T12:27:00.000+01:00

The rector and all the priests serving in our church wish you all a Happy New Year filled with peace, love, joy and prosperity. May the blessings of God shower our homes and fill our hearts with all we wish. The clergy also would like to thank all those who participated in and contributed to the liturgical celebrations held at our church.

End of year celebrations

2008-01-01T11:15:00.000+01:00

Yesterday and today's celebrations at the church were really striking especially since everyone was excited to thank God for the closing of year 2007 and the coming of the new year 2008. Before the Mass one could hear everyone sharing their reactions about the last year. Some said it was full of joy and peace while others said it was full of sorrow, loss yet serene. Everyone carries his own baggage of experiences and backgrounds yet the most impressive part was that everyone was yearning for a great new year full of blessings, peace and love which basically are the most important virtues in a our daily lives.

During yesterday's Mass, there was also the recital of the Te Deum, better known as the Ambrosian Hymn, which was sung in thanksgiving to God for the closing of 2007. You can read the words of the Te Deum in English and Latin, by clicking here and you can also listen to the Latin version here. Below you can find the whole prayer in Maltese.

During this morning's Mass, there was the recital of the Veni Creator Spiritus (meaning Come Holy Spirit Creator), which is considered the most famous of hymns. The hymn was sung as a prayer to bless the new year while hoping to have a spirit-filled attitude in all we do throughout the coming months. Here you can read the English and Latin version. Below you can find the whole prayer in Maltese.

Te Deum

It-tifħir nagħtuk, Mulejja, Alla u Sidna nistqarruk
O Missier li int minn dejjem, kemm hemm ħlejjaq ġieh jagħtuk.
Jagħtuk ġieh l-Anġli tas-sema, is-smewwiet u l-qawwa tagħhom.
Kerubini u Serafini, ta’ sikwit iberkuk magħhom.
Ja Qaddis, Qaddis, Qaddis, Alla sid il-ħlejjaq kollha.
L-art u s-sema bik mimlija; Ismek jikber u jitgħolla.
Tal-Appostli l-ġemgħa mqaddsa, kemm profeti ġew ħabbruk.
Ma kemm martri ċarċru demmhom,ma jagħmlux ħlief ifaħħruk.
F’din l-art il-Knisja mqaddsa, tistqarr lilek kullimkien
O Missier, kbir, ta’ bla tarf, Alla kbir mingħajr qisien.
Tistqarr ’l Ibnek li hu wieħed, għax jistħoqqlu l-akbar ġieh.
Miegħu ukoll ’l ruħ il-Qodos, hi tistqarr u qima ttih.
Int Ġesu’, Sultan tal-glorja, tal-Missier Iben etern.
Ħdan Marija ma stmerrejtx, biex teħlisna mill-infern.
Kif mill-mewt int ħriġt bir-rebħ, u lill-għadu ġibt minn taħt;
u għal dawk li jemmnu fik, minn tas-sema s-saltna ftaħt.
Ta’ Missierek fost id-dija, Inti qiegħed fil-lemin.
U nemmnuh li nhar il-Ħaqq, tiġi mħallef tal-bnedmin.
Nitolbuk, għalhekk, Mulejja, li għajnuna fis tagħtina.
Int li b’demmek il-għażiż, ridt u għoġbok li tifdina.
Agħmel int li għala dejjem, aħna niġu magħqudin
mal-maħtura li fil-ġenna, ingawduk mal-qaddisin.
Minn kull deni lilna ħares, għaliex aħna l-ulied tiegħek,
lilna bierek sabiex f’sehem, nistgħu nidħlu tal-wirt tiegħek.
Int mexxina hekk kif jogħġbok, u għal dejjem int għallimna,
biex kuljum lilek inbierku, għaliex int qalbek ħanina.
Biex għal dejjem minn ta’ dejjem, aħna nfaħħru l-isem tiegħek;
la tħallix li nsiru ħatja, indukrana kuljum miegħek.
Ħenn għalina, minna ħenn, agħmel dejjem ħniena magħna.
Daqskemm tara li fik qegħda, l-iżjed kbira tama tagħna.
Aħna fik bla tmiem nitimgħu, tama ħliefek ma għandniex;
li nintilfu għala dejjem, le, Mulejna, tħalliniex.

O Alla, ilqa' r-radd ta' hajr tagħna u isma' t-talb ta' wliedek; agħmel li nqawwu qalbna fis-sena l-ġdida li ġejja, biex neħilsu minn kull deni, ngħixu fil-paċi, u nħabirku għall-bini tas-saltna tiegħek. Bi Kristu Sidna.
R/.Amen.

Veni Creator

Ħallieq ta’ kollox, ejja, o Spirtu, żur lil ruħna:
bil-grazzja tiegħek fawwar il-qlub maħluqa minnek.
Int Difensur u Faraġ, id-don ta’ Alla l-Għoli,
għajn ħajja, nar, imħabba, u qawwa tar-ruħ tagħna.
Int turi l-qawwa t’Alla bis-seba’ doni tiegħek:
int mill-Missier imwiegħed biex tagħti l-kliem lil fommna.
Mexxina fid-dawl tiegħek, bi mħabbtek imla qalbna,
bil-qawwa tiegħek wettaq il-ġisem dgħajjef tagħna.
Biegħed minn fostna l-għadu, fis-sliem għal dejjem żommna;
jekk int quddiemna timxi, neħilsu minn kull deni.
Kun fina, u bid-don tiegħek nagħarfu l-Missier u l-Iben
u nemmnu b’fidi sħiħa li int l-Ispirtu tagħhom.
Amen.

Nitolbu. O Alla ta’ dejjem, bla bidu u bla tmiem, ħallieq ta' kollox, lilek nikkonsagraw din is-sena ġdida; agħtina l-grazzja li ngħadduha bir-riżq u fil-paċi, u li nagħmlu kotra ta' opri tajba u ta' ġid. Bi Kristu Sidna.
R/.Amen.

What a celebration!

2007-12-31T15:23:00.000+01:00

Last Friday, Archbishop Paul Cremona celebrated the evening Mass at our church. Fr. Reuben, our parish priest and Fr. Jesmond concelebrated. Mgr. Albert and local seminarian Luke Seguna also participated in the eucharistic celebration. Archbishop Cremona shared a very nice thought during the brief homily reflecting the Gospel's message according to nowadays' life. He also reminded us of the feast of the innocent commemorated by the Church on the day. At the end of the Mass, he was also presented by a gift from our community by a representative couple Mr. & Mrs. Portelli.

The celebration then was followed by the monthly animated eucharistic adoration. The congregation sang different songs of praise and worship with our church worship team led by Claudio Laferla and Tiziana Grech. A group of small kids aged between 6 and 9 presented a very sweet and smooth dance which then led to the entrance of the Eucharist. The kids, regular attendees of the children's liturgy Mass on Sunday, escorted the Blessed Sacrament until Archbishop Cremona exposed the spieces on the altar. The children then reposed two beautiful roses in front of the Sacrament. The adoration was very spiritual and deep especially during the message and reflections of the celebrant.

Various photos of the celebration will be posted later on during the week.

Breakfast with Santa

2007-12-28T09:35:00.000+01:00

This morning, the children took part in a Mass especially dedicated to them followed by a festivities party called Breakfast with Santa. The party was full of healthy food that also served as a breakfast treat for the little ones. They also had different games and entertainment as well as they were presented with a small gift by Santa himself. This was a nice and well acclaimed children's activity that will surely repeat itself in the future.

Don't forget that tonight, there will be an evening Mass celebrated by Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona OP at 6:15pm at our church followed by the monthly animated Eucharistic Adoration which will also be led by the Archbishop himself.

Christmas Message from Peter & Paul

2007-12-26T10:19:00.000+01:00

Many Catholic retain a strong attachment to the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing imparted by the Pope on Christmas Day at noon. The term Urbi et Orbi (which means "for the city and for the world") signifies that a papal document is addressed not only to the city of Rome but to the entire Catholic world. This phrase is applied especially to the solemn blessing with plenary indulgence which, before the occupation of Rome, the pope was accustomed to impart on certain occasions from the balcony of the chief basilicas of the city.

This year's Christmas Message 'Urbi et Orbi' of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI starts with a very strong quotation which is: “A holy day has dawned upon us. Come you nations and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.” Here we are just posting a very strong reflective piece from the whole message.

In the silence of that night in Bethlehem, Jesus was born and lovingly welcomed. And now, on this Christmas Day, when the joyful news of his saving birth continues to resound, who is ready to open the doors of his heart to the holy child? Men and women of this modern age, Christ comes also to us bringing his light, he comes also to us granting peace! But who is watching, in the night of doubt and uncertainty, with a vigilant, praying heart? Who is waiting for the dawn of the new day, keeping alight the flame of faith? Who has time to listen to his word and to become enfolded and entranced by his love? Yes! His message of peace is for everyone; he comes to offer himself to all people as sure hope for salvation.

During the last days, Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona OP also issued his message for Christmas to all the Maltese. In his message full of deep reflections about the true value of life and the difference Jesus makes to the worth of one's way of living, he also commented,

Il-Milied hu tajjeb għalina l-Insara għaliex Ġesu` twieled mingħajr pretensjonijiet. Jiena niswa quddiemu mhux għaliex mgħobbi bil-flus, jew għaliex b’saħħti, jew għaliex sabiħ jew sabiħa, jew għaliex għandi pożizzjoni għolja quddiem is-soċjeta`. Kemm hemm nies iħossuhom bla valur għaliex m’għandhomx minn dawn l-affarijiet! Kemm hemm nies li jħossuhom ta’ valur biss għaliex għandhom xi ħaġa minn dan! Kemm hu tqil u importanti li ssib min japprezzak u jħobbok mingħajr ma jaħseb x’se jieħu mingħandek! Meta tegħleb dan kollu tkun verament tħobb u tħossok maħbub! Hekk ħabbek Ġesu` fil-Milied.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T16:56:00.000+01:00

The rector and all the priests serving in our church wish you all a blessed merry Christmas filled with the peace, love and joy that only Jesus can bring. They also would like to thank all those who participated in and contributed to the liturgical celebrations during these last few days. All effort is highly appreciated. They promise you all their love and prayers.

Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
Among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

Church Christmas Programme

2007-12-22T12:20:00.000+01:00

So here comes the Christmas Week Programme ...

Monday 24th December 2007: Christmas Eve
9am – 11:30am - Different priests will be available for Confession
4:30pm – 6pm - Sacrament of Confession will be available at the church
6:15pm - Christmas Vigil Mass

Church closes at 7pm and re-opens at 10pm.

10pm – 10:30pm - Sacrament of Confession will be available at the church
10:45pm - "Jien inħobbkom kollha" - Christmas Play organised by the Church Youth
12am - Midnight Christmas Mass with the traditional nativity narration recited by a little boy.

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Tuesday 25th December: Christmas Day
8am - Mass with the traditional nativity narration recited by a little boy.
9am - Mass with Jien inħobbkom kollha - Christmas Play organised by the Church Youth.
11am - Mass.

Please note that just for this day, the 9:30am Mass has been moved to 9am.

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On Wednesday 26, Thursday 27 and Friday 28, there will be an adoration at the Parish Church between 8:15am and noon , 4pm and 6pm, and 6:30pm - 7:30pm.

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Friday 28th December 2007
8:30am - Children's Mass followed by Breakfast with Santa in the church hall. Tickets are available from the helpers.
6:15pm - Mass celebrated by HE Mgr. Paul Cremona, OP, Arcbishop of Malta.
7pm - Archbishop will lead the monthly Eucharistic Adoration.

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Sunday 30th December 2007: Feast of the Holy Family
Mass Times are as usual - 6:30am, 8am, 9:30am, 11am.

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Monday 31st December 2007: New Year's Eve
9am – 11:30am - Confession will be available by different priests. There will also be an ongoing Eucharistic Adoration.
5pm – 6pm - Confession will be available by different priests. There will also be an ongoing Eucharistic Adoration.
6:15pm - Thanksgiving Mass.
8pm - Thanksgiving Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.

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Tuesday 1st January 2008: First Day of the New Year
Mass Times - 6:30am, 8am, 9:30am, 11am.

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Exchange of Greetings

2007-12-22T11:34:00.000+01:00

His Grace Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona OP will start his Christmastide religious functions on Christmas Eve, at Mdina Cathedral, at 11:30pm, when Mgr. Cremona will preside over the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word, followed by the Concelebration of Midnight Mass. On Christmas Day, Mgr. Cremona will lead a solemn Concelebration at St. John’s Co-Cathedral at 9.15am.

On Sunday, 30 December, from 9am to 11:30am, His Grace will be at the Archbishop’s Palace, Valletta, to receive those members of the general public who may wish to convey their Season’s Greetings to him personally. The Archbishop will be accompanied by Mgr. Annetto Depasquale, Bishop Auxiliary and Archbishop Emeritus Mgr. Joseph Mercieca.

On 31 December, at 5.30pm, His Grace will preside over the Concelebration of the Mass for Peace on the occasion of Peace Day 2008. A Te Deum will be sung.

Christmas Activities

2007-12-20T18:06:00.000+01:00

Things are getting really busy this week in preparation for the christmas activities. As many of you are expecting, the youth group is putting up another Christmas play this year for the third consecutive year. They have been working on this humourous play since September and has involved a lot of effort from everyone. The actors, singers, crew and helpers are now really looking forward to share their Christmas message with all of you so don't miss it out!

There will also be the traditional "priedka tat-tifel" where a chosen little boy will recite the nativity narration just after the christmas play.

For those of you who cannot make it for the Midnight celebrations, these two activities will be performed again on Christmas Day. Look out for the Christmas Programme which will be published on the blog very soon.

Upcoming activities

2007-12-14T16:26:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to the new ten altar boys who were vested yesterday during the special Mass celebrated to commemorate the consecration of our church.

We happily announce that on Saturday 22nd December, Archbishop Emeritus Mgr. Joseph Mercieca will be celebrating the evening Mass at 6:15pm. We are all honoured to receive him once again in our humble church to celebrate Mass with us during these Christmas festivities.

Make sure you also leave Friday 28th December free on your agendas as Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona OP will be leading our monthly animated Eucharistic Adoration. Join us and make this event a family celebration.

More details will be given later on ...

Anniversary of Church Consecration

2007-12-13T14:00:00.000+01:00

Today, our town is celebrating the annivesary of the consecration of our church. For this great event, a special Mass will be celebrated at our church at 6:15pm during which the altar servers will renew their promise of service.

The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Anton Gouder who gave service at the church this year and it will be a proper occasion in which we can thank him for his commitment and care to our community and chapel. During the Mass, he will also reveal the anniversary plaque situated right next to the Blessed Sacrament chaplet.

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For those who want to see the pictures showing the different services presided by Fr. Gouder, please view the photo gallery on the right hand side of the blog.

Rags to riches

2007-12-08T12:44:00.000+01:00

As we are on the threshold of Christmas festivities, many members of our church community are bouncing off the walls about the celebrations to be held. At the moment, many helpers are decorating the church with ponsiettas, hollies and other ornaments.

We would like to show you the different improvements achieved in our church through your benevolent financial support. Some time ago, we were fascinated by the installation of a new tabernacle on the side of the altar with a simple yet very invocative decorations. There was also the installation of a new lighting system both inside the church structure as well as in the cemetry premises. These were essential for all those making use of both the church and the cemetry especially during the night as darkness can be quite dangerous especially for the elderly's safety.

In the last few days, the father's office has been refurbished and the confession room has been moved to the small room between the office and the Blessed Sacrament chaplet. So please, do not forget to make use of it. Below please take a look at the pictures of the various items listed above.

For more pictures, click here.

We would like to thank you all for your financial offering, manual contribution and for your spiritual support. Our church is not just God's house but also our second home so let's help one another to improve the goods and services provided in order to remain as welcoming as it already is.

Have you heard about it?

2007-12-07T21:09:00.000+01:00

If you are a student, or a young worker, or if you are a parent of teenagers or youths, take a look at the Archbishop's message for the Maltese youth. It is highly inspiring.

These are just parts of the letter in Maltese...

Darba kien hemm ġuvni u qalli li kien ma` grupp ta` studenti universitarji bħalu, kollha kellhom flus u divertiment kemm iridu, u bdew jgħidu: ‘Dan kollu fil-ħajja?’. Meta tgħix barra minnek ikollok pjaċir għal ftit, iżda dak li huwa fil-fond ġewwa qalbek, il-qawwa għat-tajjeb, jibqa` vojt....

Tibżgħux, għax intom ġejtu mogħtija l-qawwa kollha li teħtieġu: iż-żgħożija tagħkom infisha hija l-qawwa tagħkom.

which translated to English would be something like this....

Once there was a young man who told me he was hanging out with some other university students who were filled to the brim with money and entertainment but were pondering: "Is this all life offers?" When you live outside your own being pleasure is rapidly consumed and fades but what is inside your heart, the power for good leaves a great emptiness....

Do not be afraid, because you have been given the power you need: youth is your power.

New Album!

2007-12-07T14:26:00.000+01:00

Robert Galea, who we had seen at our church a couple of months ago leading praise and worship during the monthly Eucharistic Adoration, is planning a concert. After the great success of his previous album, Closer and his feature in the WYD08 theme song, he is now launching "What a Day" an acoustic album with the original recording band. He is also organising two nights at the MITP (Old University) in Valletta where the entire 13-track album will be interpreted amongst some dance and mime. This launching concert will be held on Thursday January 3rd and Friday January 4th 2008. Above you can view the official poster of the event.

New Liturgical Year

2007-11-30T22:40:00.000+01:00

This Sunday, the Church starts the new liturgical calendar taking its readings and themes fro the Year A lectionary. The liturgical cycle divides the year into a series of seasons, each with their own mood, theological emphases, and modes of prayer, which can be signified by different ways of decorating churches, vestments for clergy, scriptural readings, themes for preaching and even different traditions and practices often observed personally or in the home. In churches that follow the liturgical year, the scripture passages for each Sunday (and even each day of the year in some traditions) are specified by a list called a lectionary. Generally, the liturgical seasons in western Christianity are Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time (Time after Epiphany), Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time (Time after Pentecost or after Trinity).

World Youth Day Song Contest

2007-11-26T16:48:00.001+01:00

On Sunday 2nd December at St. Sebastian Parish Centre, Qormi,there will be the World Youth Day Song Contest. Among the various Christian artists there will be Cornerstone, Footprints, Quicksands and more. There will also be Robert Galea as a special guest.

Diocesan Celebrations

2007-11-24T11:48:00.000+01:00

Yesterday evening, the Archbishop met a group of adoloscents and young people at the Seminary, Tal-Virtu', on the occasion of the Feast of Christ the King.

Today, at 4pm, the Archbishop will be meeting children for a celebration in front of the Floriana Parish Church, on the occasion of the Feast of Christ the King.

Tomorrow, at 4:30pm, the Archbishop will be presiding over the Diocesan Christ the King Celebration in front of the San Gwann Parish Church and will deliver his message for the occasion.

On this special weekend where the Church is celebrating the power and authority of Christ as a living King, we would like to share this song with you called Voice of Truth sung by Casting Crowns

CASTING CROWNS lyrics