Charge to enter Co-Cathedral

A few days ago I accompanied a close relative who was in Malta for a day's tour, on a visit to St John's Co-Cathedral. We entered through the main door but were abruptly stopped by a woman usher as Holy Mass was being celebrated.

"What does it matter," I said. "We will sit down, say a prayer then once the Holy Mass comes to an end we could look around the cathedral."

"No you cannot go in, you have to wait until 9.30 a.m. and then pass through the side door in Republic Street," came the reply.

A little after 9.30 we did as instructed. I was surprised to note that all the people in the queue were paying an entrance fee of some €7. I was not aware of the position as I had not been to Valletta of late. I was ready to pay the fee for my relative.

"No," I was told. "You too have to pay in order to enter the Co-Cathedral." I pointed out that I am Maltese living in Malta, and moreover am over 80 years old.

No matter. I was asked to pay. I protested and even showed my kartanzjan. No deal. I pointed out that my relative, a niece, was over 60 too. As I continued to protest that it was an abuse to make me, a Maltese, pay to enter the church, I was finally told to pay a reduced rate for both of us.

To cut a long story short, I paid our dues. On entering we were offered the use of the "multilingual guide". Obviously I did not need it but my niece used it. It is reasonable to pay a fee to use the "multilingual guide" but it is just unacceptable that a Maltese resident, one over 80 to boot, has to pay just to enter the church.

And that is not all. The same story was going to repeat itself at the Mdina Cathedral. As I was there alone to explore the situation, I was let in but I was warned to say that I was there to pray if someone checked on me. I happened to be in Valletta a few days later and to make sure of the position I tried to enter the Co-Cathedral alone. I was again stopped. As I was alone and explained that I was Maltese living in Malta, I was allowed in. I did not enter, since I was there only to confirm the position before writing this letter.

I have visited St Peter's Basilica and other Rome basilicas, Notre Dame and the Sacred Heart in Paris, St Paul's Cathedral in London, St Gudule in Brussels, and was never asked to pay a cent. There are trays for voluntary donations but no compulsory fee.

Has St John's Co-Cathedral and Mdina Cathedral been turned into a money-making enterprise like any profane museum? I am referring to Maltese citizens by my question.