Preserve Christian values, Archbishop tells emigrants

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday appealed to Maltese emigrants to pass on the Christian values they inherited from their homeland to their children.

In his last Christmas message to emigrants before he retires, Mgr Mercieca said Pope Benedict XVI's choice of Mgr Paul Cremona as his successor had filled his heart with joy.

Emphasising family unity, Mgr Mercieca said the family was a source of love for emigrants and a place where Christian values were nurtured.

The difficulties encountered by emigrants did not only have to do with their being far away from their relatives, but with the formation of new relationships and the emigrants' contact with values and cultures that were alien to their own.

It was customary to exchange presents at Christmas as a sign of love and respect, and this was a good custom. Yet Christ who helps people renew themselves to become witnesses of God's love gave the best gift to the people.

The Archbishop said he had been impressed by the emigrants' enthus-iasm and commitment to keep their families united whenever he visited them.