Desmond Zammit Marmarà
Stop this auction tradition now
It is noon in Mġarr, Malta. Outside the church, the parish priest starts reciting the Angelus in front of a sizeable crowd. One would ordinarily imagine that this would be the prelude to some other religious activity but, no, these prayers are instead followed by an auction! An auction to sell to the highest bidder/s the honour of carrying the statue of Our Lady of the Assumption during the evening procession at the Mġarr feast.
August 21 will be the day of this year’s feast at Mġarr and I am writing about this controversial tradition some weeks before it is due to be continued in an effort to raise more public awareness about the need to put a stop, once and for all, to an event that only serves to humiliate us Maltese, especially in the eyes of foreigners, such as tourists, who are present on such occasions.
I am informed that the present statue of Our Lady of the Assumption was first carried in procession at Mġarr in 1922. That year, it was only those who had financially contributed towards the expenses of the statue who were given the privilege of carrying it. The following year, there were so many people who wanted to carry the statue that the parish priest decided to start the practice of allocating the privilege to the highest bidder/s. A deplorable decision, in my opinion. While it is true that the proceeds from this auction go towards the needs of the parish, this is surely not the way to go about it.
Let me now try to tackle the main argument brought forward to justify the continuance of such a tradition. The argument is based on the very fact that the auction is itself a traditional aspect of life at Mġarr and is very popular with the local residents. In my opinion, this is a nonsensical argument. The auction was inaugurated in the 1920s when the majority of the Maltese population was uneducated and a good number even illiterate. Surely, the people of Mġarr are today much better educated to realise that mixing religion with commercialism goes directly against the teachings of Jesus Christ in whose name the whole activity is organised.
As far as I know, Christ threw the money changers out of the temple, so how can one justify the participation of his representative in an auction just outside the church? Can you imagine Our Lady approving an auction for the privilege of carrying her statue? I know it all sounds so ridiculous but this auction has been going on for many years and the ecclesiastical authorities should act immediately to stop it.
I have the greatest respect for the Catholic Church and the excellent work it carries out to help those in need and to spread the wonderful message of Christ. As such, I believe that such things as the auction at Mġarr for the privilege of carrying Our Lady’s statue only serve to undeservedly sully the image of the Catholic Church in Malta.
People tend to generalise. They will forget what the Church does for orphans, poor people, the sick, etc. They will forget the sacrifices and utter dedication of the vast majority of the clergy. However, they will remember that, last year, €8,100 were paid for the privilege of carrying the statue of Our Lady of the Assumption at Mġarr and they will, justifiably, be shocked by this. Christ always sought the company of the poor and shunned that of the rich. Yet here we are turning his teachings upside down and offering the privilege of carrying the statue of Our Lady only to those who can pay a sizeable sum of money, excluding those who cannot.
One of the excuses given by those who support the auction is that, at a certain stage of the route, other people are allowed to carry the statue. Such an argument does not make any sense because the fact remains that, for most of the procession, what is being practised is exclusion from carrying the statue due to inadequate financial means. One would be excused thinking this is an article about business but, please remember, we are dealing with an official Church activity here!
There is still enough time this year to eliminate, once and for all, this Mġarr auction associated with the feast of Our Lady of the Assumption. It is a negative tradition that only serves to expose all Maltese to the ridicule of those who visit our shores. Even worse, it exposes the Catholic Church in Malta to criticism it can ill afford at a time when its position in society is in a state of transition.
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I. Cilia
Jul 16th 2011, 09:01
I live in this parish... though not a native...
and to me this idea of paying to carry the statue is well really a bit senseless... In the sense I would not spend that money in the first place to do so...
However, I do respect that that is how the people of Mgarr want it to be. Otherwise it would not happen in the first place... it is not like Mgarr residents are forced at gunpoint to do this auction.
And the Church lives off donations as well... if not primarily off this... The people of Mgarr chose this avenue to donate money... So what? Is it something wrong? Instead of writing out a cheque of 8100 and sending it of to the Parish priest they bid on the right to carry Our Lady...
So Mr Desmond Zammit Marmara, first of all mind your own business....
Secondly let people do what they want with own hard earned cash.... if they want to throw it around the streets for others to pick up it is up to them... their cash, their choice.
Moreover, i suggest yo get off your high horse and stop pontificating... let others do what they want... Just because you think it does not make sense, it does not mean that it is correct
Mark J. Magri
Jul 15th 2011, 14:12
Idolatry at its best!......and renders money offcourse!!
GRANPINTO
Mr Joseph Grima
Jul 15th 2011, 08:27
this archiac so-called tradition takes Malta back to the middle ages. The Church naturally favors any money spinning event that fattens the lining of its pockets but, as Maltrse, we should not be made to suffer an annual occurrence that makes us all look like a bunch of barbarians.
Mr Steve Sant
Jul 14th 2011, 21:36
Don't like legal gay marriages? Don't have one. Don't like cigarettes? Don't smoke them. Don't like drugs? Don't do them. Don't like porn? Don't watch it. Don't like alcohol? Don't drink it. Don't like guns? Don't buy one. Don't like your rights taken away? Don't take away someone else's !
Godfrey Camilleri
Jul 14th 2011, 18:59
This practice is really shameful. Why are people of limited financial means excluded?! How does the Archbishop allow such discrimination?! Some other system should be devised; either a roster or a lottery but surely not an auction.
Mr Paul Caruana
Jul 14th 2011, 18:41
Frankly this anticlerical rant is uncalled for: there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this tradition, as long as the money collected is donated to a charitable cause. Viewed in this way, it becomes another way to collect money for a good cause.
By the same argument, the church should cease all its fund raising activities to help the needy and/ or poor of this world?
Loreta Lija
Jul 14th 2011, 17:35
Christ did not have any belongings in this world, He had no testament, He left no material inheritance; only spiritual ones.Look at the church to day,it is all so clear money rules.
l-APS ghamel €8.5 profit. Ftakart meta l-MULEJ qallhom ghatu kollox u ejja waraja. Il-Mulej ghajjar lill Farizej Oqbra Mbajda. Tghid se jghatu kollox u jmorru warajh?Kieku tafu kemm qed tghamlu hsara lill knisja tal Mulej eccellenzi reverendissimi .
Mr Peter Barbara
Jul 14th 2011, 17:30
I do not think this is a humiliation for the Maltese in the eyes of foreigners, it is more of a tradition. Do you think foreigners think so highly of us that they monitor our each and every step?
I would say humiliation are the excesses committed brazenly during band marches held in honour of the patron saint (supposedly) especially in the hot months of summer
Ms Monica Muscat
Jul 15th 2011, 14:27
I think that having a auction for the right to carry the statue of Our Lady or a Patron Saint, is much to much, even if it is a tradition. People with the wish to take part should ALL make a nominal donation, but then lots will be drawn. Those winning the previlage of carrying the statue one year, will have to stand down for the next one/two years.
As for the rest, Mr Barbara, I fully agree with you. Brazen behaviour during band marches ARE a cause of many raised brows by the tourists and foreigners. Thankfully they do not understand the language!!! I believe that in order to cut down on this shameful behaviour, the only way is to stop band marches except those partecipating at the procession. Hard on the enthusiasts??? Well, unruly people can only learn the hard way. The Church will not be loosing anything. Only gaining back some respect.
Norman E Grech
Jul 14th 2011, 16:23
Cannot agree with you more!!! This is paganism at its best!! I am sure Jesus Christ would not approve of this!! To put it mildly!! Just because it is a tradition, doesn't mean it is a good thing. The Romans use to let wild animals lose in the arena to eat criminals Catholics etc. And that was their tradition! So was that good?
Mr Andrew Azzopardi
Jul 14th 2011, 13:07
I cannot disagree more with Mr Zammit Marmara.
First, this is not something which should be brought up in a national secular newspaper. It is an 'issue' which belongs to to the parish, local and ecclesiatical levels;
Secondly, whilst it may have jarred in 1922 when poverty was widespread, this is not true today. My impression is that Mgarr is one of the more affluent parishes on the Island, judging by the numerous nice houses and expensive cars one sees there;
Thirdly, this is just another fund-raising stunt, much in the same way we have things like raffles and bingos(gambling!) and sports marathons for worthy causes. It is not as if the money collected is being spent on drink and debauchery;
Fourthly, it is a transparent method of chosing the carriers, and gives the opportunity for all to join in. In other parishes, carrying the titular statue tends to be monopolised by the same clique, year in, year out.
I could go on.......
John iNGUANEZ
Jul 14th 2011, 19:35
I agree with Mr Azzopardi. This a fund-raising activity and the money is divided for the needs of the parish church and to charities.
Mr Mark-Anthony Falzon
Jul 14th 2011, 12:35
Desmond Zammit Marmara might want to have a word with the dilettanti themselves. That's what matters really - who cares about 'society in transition' and 'the ridicule of those who visit our shores'(!). Let people enjoy themselves as they deem fit.
riccardo borg
Jul 14th 2011, 12:59
SECONDED
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Jul 15th 2011, 06:38
I tend to agree with MAF that this auction is part of the fun of the festa for the moneyed local MGARR community. It is perhaps a better system than in other villages where the privilege of carrying the titular statue is subject to more underhanded deals amongst the festa afacionados. However I do make a suggestion to the parish priest which was practiced when I was a young Catholic Action boy. I suggest that all those church volunteers who carry out work in the parish during the year should be given tokens with the equivalent value to the hours of voluntary work they put in. These tokens could then be used in the bidding as if theyy were real money. This would give an equal chance to those who are not cash rich but have given equivalent volunteer contribution to the parish.
Dr. Noel Calleja
Jul 14th 2011, 12:29
Lotteries and fund rasing activities are very well accepted in our society and most especially it is also legaly to do so if the entity organising such activity is a Registered NGO in Malta under the Voluntary Organisation Act and Council. However the Chucrhc is not yet a registered one, so this activity is technically illegally. When L-Istrina used to be organised with the aim of winning something this was also stopped as it was defined as gambling. And yes, this is purely gambling as the higher bidders only have the right to win the post and contribute to the carrying of the statue of Our Lady. Where are the Gamblers Anonymous (GA)? Do they just listen to their set music only and do not contribiute to STOP this pagan act? Or are they just there to wear a halo infront of our society, but in return they act differently? Where is the Church and Caritas, isn't this a case of STOP POVERTY NOW? Or again since the church is the one to gain, than this is not an immoral act?
Malcolm Bartolo
Jul 14th 2011, 11:41
This is a tradition. A tradition that has been carried out from a long time ago. This is something we look forward to every year in our town of Mgarr. It a a historic tradition and as with all other historic events in Malta, this should never be stopped.
Maybe Mr.Marmara should read and do more research himself about the history of this event. The Mgarr people are a hard-working community. And there is nothing wrong if the church accepts funds in this way from its followers. In other towns they collect money for their local feasts on other ways. And they have a right to do so.
Respect the others, respect the Mgarr people. If thats a problem for you Mr Marmara, maybe you should not come to witness the event.
Dr. Noel Calleja
Jul 14th 2011, 14:09
This is gambling at its best! Period.
carmel spiteri
Jul 14th 2011, 11:29
if only they could not just quote their gospels in chuch, but HEED it!
Mr John Azzopoardi
Jul 14th 2011, 11:27
what's wrong with this tradition. Grow up. Everyone wants to control everything. Write about something else. And if you don't have anything to write about, don't write anything.
Mr Patrick Zammit
Jul 14th 2011, 11:26
Gesu Iva
Flus Le
Mr FRANS H SAID
Jul 14th 2011, 11:14
I cannot see what's wrong. Parish Priest organise lotteries, fund raising activities and myriad collections. The Mgarr Parish have a novel way of gaining some funds. I still cannot comprehend what is wrong. If the auction is not held, from where will the parish acquire the necessary funds. Even in the time of Jesus and Jesus never criticised, if any thing he praised the old woman, who put a few farthings in the temple collection box. Controbution take many forms. I cannot see what is bothering this person?
Mr Carmel Garcia
Jul 14th 2011, 10:44
Nirrestawraw il-festi mill-gdid. Nistaqsi lil Dun ANton Gouder, 'dwar dan l-irkant mhu ser naghmlu xejn? Jew fejn jidhlu l-flus ma jimporta xejn?
Mr Paul Xuereb
Jul 14th 2011, 10:34
I agree completely with Mr Zammit Marmara' s reasoning. Suppose the Mgarr's parish priest invites our Lord Jesus Christ for this year's festivities, would He approve the auction? Definitely NOT!
Mr FRANS H SAID
Jul 14th 2011, 11:15
Jesus NEVER criticised the collections for the temple. Read the Gospels before you rish to be critical
Dr. Noel Calleja
Jul 14th 2011, 14:17
@ Mr. Said: Tiftakar kemm inkorla Gesu meta sab lil min jilghab barra t-Tempju u x'dizastru ghamel, kisser kollos ghaliex qal li t-Tempju huwa post sagru u ta' Talb u mhux post tal-loghob! Tiftakar ukoll kif spiccah dan id-diskors? Oqbra m'bajda! X'hemm differenza? Mhux loghob dan jissejjah? U min ma jistax jilghab il-flus ghaliex huwa jghix fil-poverta, dan ghaliex ma ghandhux cans li xi darba jerfa fil-festa? Insejt li l-knisja qedgha tghix fit-telf!
Albert Debono
Jul 14th 2011, 14:51
you seem to know him very well mr xuereb! respect....at least to yourself!
William Flynn
Jul 14th 2011, 10:23
Hammer anyone? Bring your own nail. See you at the door of Mġarr church door.
Maria Grech
Jul 14th 2011, 10:49
Dear Mr. Flynn,
I really wish to know what bothers you most, the fact that there are still people eager, so eager that they are willing to pay to carry the statue on Feast day or are you a person who does not even bother to go to your parish feast.
Some parish priests do outings during the year to collect money for the church, our parishioners do not have this luxury during the year because they work hard all week to give Malta one of the best produce. So please leave us alone with our village traditions as we never interfere with those of other villages.
William Flynn
Jul 14th 2011, 11:37
The village where I live hasn't got a saint yet. Door knocking for money is illegal and keeping notes on people who don't donate will almost certainly cause such a stir the local priest would be chased...no, on second thought, he'll be driven away in handcuffs by the cops; and the church will be closed and turned into a bar/restaurant...wait a minute that's already happened...and it’s a pretty medioce restaurant at that.
This sort of behaviour is a huge cringe to Maltese everywhere and makes us look like cretins in the eyes of normal people.
Gerry Cowie
Jul 14th 2011, 20:40
What is the name of your village?
Loreta Lija
Jul 14th 2011, 08:58
Pagan feasts,PUNTO E BASTA!
Giov DeMartino
Jul 14th 2011, 14:31
Whenever Mr Lia posts a comment, he always exclaims: PUNTO E BASTA! as if the oracle had spoken!
Those who do not like this "auction" should simply stay away. After all the church is ALWAYS criticized by those who want to do so.
angelo cilia
Jul 14th 2011, 18:41
I hate these pagan feasts and I hate that " punto basta " thinga-ma-jig.