Frans H. Said, St Paul's Bay
The clergy out of habit
Following the 1910 revolution, the leftist Administration in Portugal proclaimed that no religious person could walk around the streets wearing a habit or a cassock. Many of the clergy, including bishops, defied this order and ended up in prison.
In Malta no such proclamation has ever been officially issued but our clergy, be they monks or diocesan priests, went one better and many seem to be ashamed to be seen in public wearing a habit or cassock. Some don't even want to show their Christian calling.
And then the Archbishop talks of secularisation!
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Herbert Guillaumier
Nov 29th 2008, 14:35
Non e' l abito che fa l monaco. This is the Italian saying.
Gerry Cowie
Nov 29th 2008, 11:40
What an interesting point!
A few thoughts on this.....
Even in England, as my old De La Salle headmaster used to gleefully tell me, one could stone a brother in the street! Yet of course the chances of getting away with it were non-existent! The law simply had not been repealed!
It would be interesting to hear from religious themselves as to what they wear and when and why.
I would imagine that a priest or brother or nun would not have to wear full garb in times of relaxation and when they are having a holiday. In the heat of Malta, one might find that dressing down helps one to cool off anyway.
And perhaps one might turn to those who are not religiously professed, but who are believers. If the clergy should be leading by example, then should the laity also go around with constant reminders of their beliefs available for all to see? One only has to look at other religions to see how important this is to them.
Secularists would be happy if there were no religious and if they hid their habits. Of course, a secularist cannot spot a religious person if they remain hidden!
Vincent Zerafa
Nov 29th 2008, 11:31
With all due respect Mr. Said. Wearing a habit or cassock is just a religious thing. I'm sure the Lord won't bother about clothing but rather what's in the heart.
The Archbishop has recently talked about the need for a new model for the church in Malta. He said it should return to its roots, like the one in the early stages of its formation.
Those were the times where the church was still pure and not filled with religious beliefs and rituals.
Joseph Galea
Nov 29th 2008, 11:24
What a waste of letter space.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 29th 2008, 11:12
Is this letter taken from 'A Century Ago' by mistake?