Archbishop urges faithful to get over referendum disappointment
Picture: PhotoCity.
Archbishop Paul Cremona has urged the faithful to get over their disappointment over the outcome of the divorce referendum, and instead to pray to the Holy Spirit to enable them to be witnesses of the faith.
In a homily to mark Pentecost, Mgr Cremona said the challenge for the faithful was to 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to give to God what belongs to God".
The Catholic Community should be recognised by giving God what belonged to God, by living according to His teaching, and by proclaiming the Word.
"Are you ready to give the Lord what belongs to the Lord in our secular society?" Mgr Cremona asked his listeners.
The Church, Mgr Cremona said, had found itself in a different social reality, where marriage and families were marked by divorce and society was, at least on the social media, aggressive. It was incumbent on the faithful to not only live the faith, but to proclaim it.
He said that after the referendum, the Church could say that it had done its best, in line with the teachings of the Lord, to avert the introduction of divorce, and he wished to thank all those who had worked towards this end.
Mgr Cremona recalled the challenges which the early Church had faced. He urged the faithful to recall those times so that they could work on the building of the Church according to the teachings of Christ in current times.
See full homily at
http://maltadiocese.org/lang/mt/news/archbishops-message-on-pentecost-vigilmessagg-tal-arcisqof-fil-vigili-ta-pentekoste/
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Marcus Vella Bardon
Jun 14th 2011, 07:09
how is it that the church has always something to add to every issue, get over it jahasra.
Ms Maria Vella
Jun 14th 2011, 11:43
Ever heard of the concept of free speech??
Mark J. Magri
Jun 14th 2011, 02:51
There is one more chance,maybe the last chance actually,to save Malta from family ruins-
that is: Parliament votes NO for divorce.
Otherwise,no more strong and healthy families and the Maltese economy rolls down the hills.
GRANPINTO
E. Azzopardi
Jun 13th 2011, 23:16
I do not know if I understand this one. Those who voted "yes" are definitely not disappointed. So does this mean that they are not part of the faithful? Have they been struck off the list already?
Henry S. Pace
Jun 13th 2011, 22:48
' He said that after the referendum, the Church could say that it had done its best, '
Crying over spilled milk does not solve any problem. The archbishop was a watchdog to those priests and religious who preached Christ and his teachings whil He let other clergyment to speak out in favour of divorce. The hurch in Malta lacks true leadership.
Mr Joe Brincat-LL.D
Jun 13th 2011, 22:06
We seem to have not yet learnt the clear distinction between laws of the State and laws of the Church. What surprises me is that those, who were clamouring for freedom of choice, are now denying or ridiculing the spiritual message passed to the faithful of a religion. The divorce law will not change the doctrine of the Church, and it will not impede the Church from teaching and working in its sphere to inculcate that doctrine on its members.
I voted yes in the referendum. Not in defiance or disdain of Church doctrine. I voted to have legislation on the law book.
As I have written elsewhere, I was never of the opinion that a divorce is the solution of all problems. And a divorce judgment is a death certificate of a relationship which had blossomed with so much love and hope for the future.
In my view the Church has a stronger challenge to help ailing marriages. And is the Church going to continue just providing a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony and the photographs and video to mark the occasion ?
I hate to be on the side of the winners who have no respect for the other side.
Ms Maria Vassallo
Jun 13th 2011, 21:21
Come, Holy Spirit, replace the tension within us with a holy relaxation.
Replace the anxiety within us with a quiet confidence.
Replace the turbuklence within us with a sacred calm.
Replace the fear within us with a strong faith.
Replace the bitterness within us with the sweetness of grace.
Replace the darkness within us with a gentle light.
Replace the coldness of sin within us with a loving warmth of repentance and divine forgiveness.
Replace the night within us with your light.
Straighten our crookedness, our hypocrisy, our ignorance, our superficiality.
Fill our emptiness which is the result of betrayal and treachery.
Dull the edge of our pride.
Sharpen the edge of humility.
Light the fires of our love.
Quench the flames of our lust and adultery.
Let us see ourselves as YOU see us.
m vella
Jun 14th 2011, 12:36
WOW!........This is getting sillier by the minute.+!+
U
Ms Maria Vella
Jun 14th 2011, 15:40
What about tolerance and free speech?
Mr elton grech
Jun 15th 2011, 11:26
Oh come holy spirit...but please not after 9pm, i'll get a fine if so!
Gerry Cowie
Jun 13th 2011, 20:06
The Church shows it is moving on but the "Yes" movement are clearly not happy with a so-called victory by approximately 2% and are back throwing the insults at the Church. Sadly the pro movement's campaign was built entirely around knocking the Church and its protagonists wasted no time in doing so.
Anyhow, Malta remains majority Catholic and is not going to become a secularist outpost just because of a few who think she should. The Church moves on and its faithful - only somebody deliberately blind for the sake of their own personal agenda would deny the Catholicity of Malta which they so fear - continue to practise their religion which is bound to colour every aspect of their lives.
People attempt to twist statistics to make it look like they are right all the time. Only secularists and humanists tend to do this when it comes to knocking the Church.
Long Live Catholic Malta!
Mr M Vella***
Jun 13th 2011, 20:28
Long live secularists Malta.
secularism is to prevail in this country, whether you like it or not.
Mr Guido Farrugia
Jun 13th 2011, 21:09
I tend to pity your arguments sir. Sit down and read a good book, relax as justice prevailed.
Mr Neil Camilleri
Jun 13th 2011, 21:40
Most people are baptized (at an age were they don't have a choice) into the Roman Catholic religion but don't feel an affiliation with the church (and hence can be secularists) or may even be atheist for that matter, so many that are counted as Catholics are by name only. The upcoming poll on religion will give clearer results on the issue.
Basically, whether most are counted as catholic at the moment or not doesn't really make a difference, since it does not also mean they are anti secular.
Long live the proper interpretation of statistics and religion ;)
Jesmond Micallef
Jun 13th 2011, 19:49
Personally, I am happy that the monopolistic stronghold of the RC Church annullment has been shattered and one feels gratefull to those people who with reason and rationality, voted in favour of divorce. May God bless you.
Ms Maria Vella
Jun 14th 2011, 11:44
I take the 'May God Bless you' as a sarcastic comment
Jesmond Micallef
Jun 14th 2011, 16:25
Ms. Maria Vella. No part of my comment was meant to be sarcastic at all. I believe in God.
Victor Pulis
Jun 13th 2011, 19:47
Will all those who voted YES be forgiven if they go to confession? Will they be able to receive holy communion afterwards?
Mr M Borg
Jun 13th 2011, 20:21
Why ask us ? You have to ask a priest that , that is if you believe in confession !!
Victor Pulis
Jun 13th 2011, 21:23
I would but I suspect I would get a dozen different answers from a dozen different priests!!!!
Victor Pulis
Jun 14th 2011, 06:46
I would ask a priest but I suspect I'dl get a dozen different answers from as many priests!!!!
Ms D. Borg
Jun 13th 2011, 18:55
So, are not the thousands who votes yes (who are obviously not disappointed), not part of the faithful anymore? First we get an apology, and then start being insulted again?
Mr M Borg
Jun 13th 2011, 19:10
Why ask ? Only you can say if you are indeed one of the faithful .
PS. The faithful usually obey the Church and her Bishops .
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 13th 2011, 19:26
Just ignore the insults, the No Movement is still in denial and cannot accept the loss. As a matter of fact neither do some of the holier than thou politicians. What a sorry bunch. Even Arch Bishop Cremona is urging the congregation to let go and move on, but do they listen? NO. I say to the NO movement, next time pick your battles. You have a more bitter battle coming up, called COHABITATION.
George Camilleri
Jun 14th 2011, 00:07
That was not an apology. It was the Church offering unconditional forgiveness to those that had offended her, and showing regret if people were hurt by what she had said. The Church has NOTHING to apologize for.
Mr Mario P. Sciberras
Jun 13th 2011, 17:18
"in summary, the Catholic Church condemns as gravely evil acts, both IVF in and of itself, and stem cell research performed on IVF embryos." Catholic insight.
"The Gospel shows that physical sterility is not anA absolute evil. Spouses who still suffer from infertility after exhausting legitimate medical procedures should unite themselves with the Lord's Cross, the source of all spiritual fecundity. They can give expression to their generosity by adopting abandoned children or performing demanding services for others." Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Is IVF going to be the next battlefield between the secular and the religious factions?
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jun 13th 2011, 16:53
Divorce has not been legalised yet, so i`m not disappointed. I bet it would be the end of the world when and if it does get legalised.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 13th 2011, 17:53
Please don't show your ignorance so bluntly. I hope you are joking Mr Dingli. According to the vote by the majority, divorce is here. The end of the world would come if the Parliament does not OK divorce after such a vicious and expensive battle. This referendum put government against government, church against some of it's congregation, the holier than thou against those who favoured divorce, not to mention it would be a wasted 4 million euros of the Tax payer's money. And a bit more closer to your heart, the 250,000 euro invested by the Curia to fight the Yes vote. Stop living in that archaic age of oblivion. The majority of people of this land voted Yes for divorce, and so must the parliament. Honour and respect thy voters will.
Jesmond Micallef
Jun 13th 2011, 19:40
Good one, Mr. Joseph Calleja. I liked what you wrote here.
Joe Galea
Jun 14th 2011, 09:59
INT bis serjeta !!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Joe Gatt
Jun 13th 2011, 16:10
The local church is too Ritch and Powerful, for comfort, and too much involved in Politics, is what I say.
Its attitude and approach, as experienced by the recent events, will be its eventual downfall, if there is no meaningful and real change in the near future.
Alfred Fenech
Jun 13th 2011, 15:27
I am not disappointed. I did not spend 250000euros . I feel happy for someone in need of dovorce may now use it.
Mr George Attard
Jun 13th 2011, 15:15
Dissapointment? These are the exact mind games the church wants to play with the public. It's either their way or you're condemed to hell for all eternity. So, because I voted 'yes', makes me unfaithful? I don't need the church to tell me how to live my life and judge me on how my faith because I voted 'yes'.
God willing I will not need divorce, but unfortuenatly there are some that do need it, and it is for that reason I have voted 'yes'. I was doing 'God's work' by helping my brothers and sisters in need, and now I'm unfaithful??
Mr Michael Buhagiar
Jun 13th 2011, 16:38
George remember what Jesus Christ told his apostles before he ascended into heaven? The sins you forgive will be forgiven in Heaven, the sins you hold will be held also in Heaven. And the priests are the successors of the Apostles. If you dont believe in this, you dont believe in anything except in your egoism.
If someone else is in trouble due to their own follies, it will still be you who have sinned by voting agaisnt Christ's teachings: No to divorce. And you have to carry this cross all your life. Even though you go to confess your sin of voting YES, the damage has already been done. and you are part of that damage, whether you needed divorce or not. When you meet your Creator just tell him Lord I had compassion on people I dont even know, how can you punish me for ignoring your teachings? And see what the answer will be. I cannot be there to listen to the reply.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jun 13th 2011, 18:01
Michael, I voted yes as my God tells me to lead a good Christian life and to allow anybody else in total freedom to do their own thing. A practicing Catholic is free to choose between going for divorce and committing a mortal sin and end up in eternal fire or live in celibacy and enjoy the glory of heaven. You and the Curia has to stop being so darn stubborn and accept the fact that the state does laws not religion and it has a sacrosanct duty to respect all beliefs and atheism.
Mr George Attard
Jun 13th 2011, 18:03
My conscience is clear Mr. Buhagiar. I have voted in something I felt was needed, maybe not by me, but by others. I've led a good enough life to know that my fate in the after life is not going to be decided by voting in your words 'against' the teachings of Jesus. This referendum was neither about religion nor was it about politics. We are all suckers to been misled this way. This was a matter of civil rights.
If my vote helped some abused woman finally be released from her oppressing husband or some man finally move on from his adultrous wife, then I have done my part in helping that happen. Helping some one like that start a new life, now matter how indirectly I have helped just by a simple vote is hardly carrying a cross of burden.
Joseph Grech
Jun 13th 2011, 18:56
Mr. Buhagiar,
I honestly understand your view on the matter, however, being a pure Christian practitioner myself, I do not see why people like Mr George Attard should feel guilty about their vote.
Divorce does not break the Church's marriage, it only effects the civil marriage, which was created by society itself, and not the Church. "Give to Caeser what belongs to Caeser, and to God what belongs to God."
The Church's marriage is not somewhat effected by divorce (correct me if I am wrong), and being a Christian, I follow my religion's belief to be the ONLY religion to show respect to people of different beliefs.
May God aid every couple in not needing to mention the word "Divorce", but I do not believe that holding it away from society is the solution.
Joseph Grech
Jun 13th 2011, 18:57
Furthermore I think it has not been clear enough that Divorce does not mean the seperation of a married couple, but the right to marry again by civil for those couples that are ALREADY seperated.
Mr M Borg
Jun 13th 2011, 20:37
@ George Attard
You have to make up your mind, you either believe in the church and in God or you do not believe. You cannot have it both ways.
If you do believe in God, then Yes you do " need the Church to tell you how to live your life. "
There is also no need for you to try ridicule God by saying that you went against HIs teaching to help Him !
Mr david debattista
Jun 13th 2011, 15:08
I think it is about time that the church comes to terms with the fact that she cannot force religion on the people nor manipulate them any longer. Divorce is not a sin, SOUL FRAGMENTATION IS Mgr Cremona. Maybe you should discuss it with your theologians, its possible ghastly consequences. You are an Archbishop after all.
Why not face the facts and educate the people about the meaning of free will and why God allowed it, instead of all this theater !
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jun 13th 2011, 14:59
Dear Archbishop, our laws allow us to eat meat on Good Friday as well as to cheat on our wives, commit adultery and sodomy. We are also allowed to enjoy the sinful sight of bare breasted pole dancers, nudism on our beaches and more sinful acts.
Our girls are also allowed to get on a boat to mainland Europe to perform abortions and no questions are asked when they return home with a flat belly. And what about the greatest sin of them all-birth control which goes against the teachings of the Holy Bible?
Why, just why Dear Bishop, do you get so uptight at the mention of the word divorce? Is that the only sin which you expect to be criminalized? Why don't you dedicate more time to keep the faithful away from evil instead of expecting the government to do that for you?
Mr M Borg
Jun 13th 2011, 18:41
Thanks for painting such an appealing picture of the Malltese , what an advert !
Joseph Grech
Jun 13th 2011, 18:59
That is what the Archbishop is doing, I really think you misinterpret the Archbishop completely.
Mr Ernest Vella
Jun 13th 2011, 14:45
Proclaiming of the faith means that the we Christians must call what is sin a sin and don't be hypocrites afraid that someone may mention us the interdett, or because we go against our party or something else. Divorce remains a sinful act and who commits its is sinning, and no, he cannot receive communion for he is cut of from Christ through his same action. He who re-marries than is committing adultery and again he is not in communion with Christ teachings. Some who divorce was imposed on him/her is not in sin but still he/she cannot remarry.
It is hypocrite to call yourself a Christian and at the same time call other Christians, talebans or spiritual terrorists for voting NO.
Mr Peter Borg
Jun 13th 2011, 14:37
This is a step in the right direction. A totally different tune to that played during the run up to the referendum by some of the archbishops more fundamentalist brethren,but it is still not quite enough if the local church wishes to win back the respect of those it alienated in the run up to the divorce referendum. The message that these people want to hear is that the local church has finally understood that it can only preach its doctrine and not attempt to impose it.
It needs to acknowledge that "secular" is not a dirty word and that unless it makes this admission its flock will coninue to dwindle. Here's an idea: why does'nt the Archbishop himself call for the removal of the clause in our constitution which declares that the religion of Malta is the Roman Catholic denomination ? I truly believe he would continue to gain in stature and credibility if he were to do so and the country needs to have a spiritual leader that enjoys the respect of all.
Anthony Busuttil
Jun 13th 2011, 14:25
So shall we tell Dr Deborha Schembri , that dissappointment when she lost her job is over?
Eccellenza ejja nitkelmu CAR u nkunu ezatti u veri fl-imgieba taghna. Dak li l-kurja ghamlet lill Dr Schembri wegga hafna nies , jista jkun li tkunu l-kagun lil Dr Schembri tispicca rapprezentanta VERA u DENJA tal poplu Malti.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jun 13th 2011, 14:22
Its very clear that the church hasn't learned anything from its mistakes. They just keep trying to justify themselves
Mr M Borg
Jun 13th 2011, 18:44
The church made no mistakes. The church has a duty to teach her followers , you are free not to listen or to take part in any church functions . You can be sure that no one will force you to believe in the Catholic faith if you do not want.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jun 14th 2011, 00:10
Sur Borg,no body is denying the church to do its stuff. What we are saying is that the church should not expect the government to criminalize acts of sins. If the church says that divorce is a sin I have no problem with that. With or without a law allowing divorce you are still free to practice your religion,stay with your spouse until the end and then enjoy heaven. Tell me Sur Borg, if the state is giving you that freedom why do you expect the government to deny the freedom to those who don't share your religious notions? Do you seriously consider yourself as a child of a grander God?
Emily Robins
Jun 13th 2011, 13:50
How exactly are these faithful people disappointed? If they don't want a divorce then they simply shouldn't get one. No disappointment there.
Mark Galea
Jun 13th 2011, 14:25
There should be little disappointment on either side. The disappointed will be the taxpayers who will have to pay (in the future) so called Joseph's Muscat Tax (divorce tax).
Along with the 50Million for car registrations, the 4Million referendum (he could have waited 2 years until he was in government) and the 10Million (daqqa ta pinna) for Enemalta, he really managed to tax us from the opposition benches. He is the brightest of the lost and Gonzi should nominate him finance minister.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Jun 13th 2011, 13:25
No disappointment, Archbishop - the YES in the referendum won with just a small percent after all. The real disappointment will be if members of parlament do not vote according their principles. To gain votes (wishful thinking).
Stefan Limongello
Jun 13th 2011, 13:19
More confused rhetoric from this Archbishop. He said:
"He said that after the referendum, the Church could say that it had done its best, in line with the teachings of the Lord, to avert the introduction of divorce, and he wished to thank all those who had worked towards this end."
With such a confused "strategy", His Grace continues to do injustice to the loyal Catholics by saying that the Church did its best!! What a pity. His predecessor, who smiling wasn't his quality, managed to obtain much more for the Church in Malta.
The only thing I agree with the so-called "Catholics (sic.) for Divorce" is their call for change at the helm of the Catholic Church in Malta. Though for diametrically opposite reasons...
Mr Joseph Galea
Jun 13th 2011, 14:05
I fully agree with you.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 13th 2011, 13:18
It's over and done with, or is it? We still have the incompetent MPs to vote on the subject of divorce. Mgr Cremona, why not have a serious talk with parliament and explain to them that the will of the people must be honoured and respected no matter what the result was? This referendum came about because our incompetent government could not find it in their hearts to make a decision about the divorce initiative in Malta, because they said it bothered their conscience. So they, the cowards they are, came up with what is known as a consultative and unbinding referendum in the hope that the people will decide for them. As you are well aware the church got very much involved and took over the fight against the Yes movement. After all said and done, alas, the Yes vote won but the holier than thou politicians are not willing to abide and accept that vote. Why? Again because the church and their conscience tells them otherwise. Squandering 4million euros on a useless referendum (plus the 250,000 euros the church invested) and then ignore the final vote is a grave sin.Tell that to our holier than thou politicians. If they vote NO or abstain they will be robbing the Maltese people of 4 million euros. Thou shalt not steal? You are right the final vote was Yes, now let us move on.
Mr Joseph Cassar
Jun 13th 2011, 13:10
What negative comments to the Archbishops homily, has the anticlerical Maltese fallen so low in their values that they are ready to misinterpret the Archbisops words, the fact that they read what the Archbisop had to say shows that they still believe in the Church, but because of politics they try to silence their conscious.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 13th 2011, 14:08
Negative. Why the Archbishop himself said during the referendum that the church was not running a crusade against the Yes movement, then it turns out that the church shelled out over 250,000 euros to the anti divorce movement. Nobody is saying that Maltese don't believe in the church (Except you of course). Let us say that Maltese don't trust the church as much, and let it go at that. "but because of politics they try to silence their conscious.) You almost sound like one of those politicians.
Mr Angelo Vassallo
Jun 13th 2011, 13:03
@ Mr Joseph Brincat
GIVE TO GOD WHAT BELONGS TO GOD ( NOT REMARRY ).
If one (probably the victim in a relationship) does not want this "no fault divorce" decides not to remarry whatever happens, than why divorce in the first place?Divorce will mean that the culprit in a relationship can do the same again to other men/women who s/he remarries?
Mr Joseph Brincat
Jun 13th 2011, 15:19
Mr Angelo Vassallo
IF THE VICTIM IS CATHOLIC OR WHAT SO EVER,
HER PARTNER NOW HAVE CHILDREN IN HIS NEW
RELATIONSHIP AND ASK FOR A DIVORCE SO HE
CAN REMARRY,
FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHILDREN WHAT
WOULD SHE OR HE DO ???????????????
Mr John Azzopoardi
Jun 13th 2011, 12:57
Our archbishop is a decent man and he was low key during the referendum. The man is right, get over all you people, whether you are pro or against divorce. Divorce is a civil right, but the church is still our guiding light in this day and age. It does a lot of good in Malta, so let's not knock it. Let's all unite and move forward. It's the politicians who create this mess and take advantage of these kind of situations. Let's show one and all that we may disagree, but we are still united. It is time to move forward and the faster we do it the better. Let us all enjoy our festa season which brings most maltese together.
Mr Carmel Debono
Jun 13th 2011, 15:37
I agree he is a decent man but not fit for the job!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jun 14th 2011, 07:47
John Azzopardi said, "........Let us all enjoy our festa season which brings most maltese together."
Like San George Vs San Bastian, Tal Karmnu vs Santa Katarina, San Pawl vs San Duminku, San Duminku vs San Guzep, San Gorg vs Santa Maria etc. Any more jokes John?
Mr Joseph Galea
Jun 13th 2011, 12:37
I do not think that the Church has done its best to avoide divorce. The archbishop himself always avoided to give clear direction to the faithful and did his best to avoid to mention the word sin when this was applicable.
The Church Media, because of what these media called pluralism (how can the Church speak of pluralism regarding the teachings of divorce?) helped a lot to sow confusion in catholic believers.
Ms S Micallef
Jun 13th 2011, 12:25
it would have been a good idea if the Archbishop explained what "proclaiming the faith" means. He should have explained that it doesn't mean pointing your fingers at others, being judgemental and calling people sinners.
After what we went through in the run up to the referendum, it's likely that many some will misinterpret his words and think it is their mission to call others sinners.
joe Tanti
Jun 13th 2011, 12:44
Amen
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 13th 2011, 14:16
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Going to church on Sunday and doing it to your neighbor on Monday does not make you a good Catholic. Those who call others sinners should stop and look around and account for their own misbehavior. In other words, they should mind their own business.
Mr Joseph Brincat
Jun 13th 2011, 12:22
GIVE TO CAESAR WHAT IS CAESAR'S ( DIVORCE )
GIVE TO GOD WHAT BELONGS TO GOD ( NOT REMARRY )
GOOD DAY
joe Tanti
Jun 13th 2011, 12:48
Give to Caesar what is Caesar (44 BC). Give to the people what belongs to the people (2011 AD).
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 13th 2011, 12:52
You are soooooo funny!
Mr Angelo Camilleri
Jun 13th 2011, 12:22
the archbishop tell his followers how many people lost faith in the church due to getting involved in the referendum.
Mr P BORG
Jun 13th 2011, 13:20
You should find your answer at JOHN 6:66
Kenneth Cassar
Jun 13th 2011, 12:18
"In a homily to mark Pentecost, Mgr Cremona said the challenge for the faithful was to 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to give to God what belongs to God'".
"He said that after the referendum, the Church could say that it had done its best, in line with the teachings of the Lord, to avert the introduction of divorce, and he wished to thank all those who had worked towards this end".
So is it "do as I say, not as I do"?
John Camilleri
Jun 13th 2011, 12:13
Dear Archbishop, disappointmnet? remember 54% of the maltese voters are not disappointed NOT AT ALL so language pl - John Camilleri
Mr P BORG
Jun 13th 2011, 13:07
Dear John.... I think you missed a point ... The Archibishop was addressing QUOTE : "The FAITHFUL", UNQOUTE, not QUOTE: "54% of the maltese voters"
Mr R Psaila
Jun 13th 2011, 13:26
I think that the Archbishop referred to the 47%,, not to the 53%.
Mr J Demicoli
Jun 13th 2011, 13:47
Sir, allow me to point out a little detail in your contribution, which must have inadvertently escaped your attention seeing that you are so keen about ‘language’.
The 54% that you quote are not 54% ‘of the Maltese’.
May I remind you that the result of the referendum was –
Votes opened 232691; (ONLY 56.71% of Malta's population)
Valid Votes 230518;
Invalid votes 2173;
Voted Yes 122547 equivalent to 52.67 (of those who voted);
Voted No 107971 equivalent to 46.4% (of those who voted). Source Department of Information.
It is opportune to note that apart from the 2173 who’s vote was not valid there were another big chunk of those eligible to vote who didn’t even care to go anywhere near the ballot box.
This little chunk amounted to almost 25% of those eligible to vote. These of course, could have voted Yes and could have voted No.
May I also remind ou that that Malta’s population is at present in excess of 410290
Jane Dawson
Jun 13th 2011, 13:54
"Archbishop Paul Cremona has urged the faithful to get over their disappointment ..."
The Archbishop is speaking to "the fathful", Mr Camilleri, not to you.
Read pl
Mr Victor Laiviera
Jun 13th 2011, 15:07
@ Mr Demicoli
That reasoning applies word for word to both the Independence and the EU referenda. The figures are very similar as well.
This has been pointed out repeatedly, but there is nobody so deaf as he who does not want to hear.
Mr G Vella
Jun 13th 2011, 17:23
@Mr Demicoli - If those who didn't bother to go to vote had any strong objection to divorce being introduced they would have gone out to vote NO.