Solidarity with Jesuits (3)

As members of the Christian Life Community, we express our solidarity with the Maltese Jesuits, following the arson attack which destroyed seven vehicles belonging to St Aloysius College.

The Jesuits' shock and their sadness affect us deeply, because we are their friends and co-workers. The hatred they have experienced also affects us, because we, like thousands of fellow Maltese, benefit from the spirituality, education, hospitality and vision of human life that the Jesuits offer generously. We share their "full commitment to promote tolerance and respect for the dignity of every human person of whatever race, gender, creed or opinion", affirmed by Fr Paul Chetcuti, the Jesuit Provincial.

It was encouraging to see that national leaders visited the college to show solidarity with the Jesuits and condemned intolerance unequivocally. Through messages of sympathy and offers of assistance many ordinary people are supporting the Jesuits and showing that they too will not be intimidated.

Clearly, numerous women and men of good will support the efforts of the Jesuits and their lay co-workers to secure justice for all. We hope that the police investigation will result in a successful prosecution. This is all necessary, but is not a sufficient response to what has happened.

The fire at St Aloysius College was certainly not an isolated incident of anonymous intimidation. Such incidents contradict the claim that Malta is a peaceful democracy characterised by tolerance of diversity and respect for the rule of law. The likely motive for the arson challenges the common belief that every Maltese citizen is instinctively compassionate, generous and hospitable.

Repeated incidents of anonymous intimidation could be warning signs of unresolved tensions in our national life, and of inadequacies in our democracy. They are clearly the acts of people whose grievances, rage, fears, frustrations or feelings of impotence have no healthy outlets. Almost certainly these people believe, rightly or wrongly, that democracy cannot or will not allow them a reasonable voice in public affairs or respond to their concerns.

Political extremism could thrive if these problems are not addressed. Although material damage can be repaired, the freedom to work for a just society would be threatened; all of us will then be affected, not only the Jesuits, their co-workers and their life-giving mission.

Here is an opportunity for men and women of good will, as well as our political and religious leaders, to penetrate the darker reaches of our national life courageously in fulfilment of our common "commitment to promote tolerance and respect for the dignity of every human person".