Archbishop Paul Cremona this evening urged all those who, with him, were suffering in order to strengthen the Church not to be disheartened.

Speaking in a week which has seen questions raised about his leadership of the Church, owing to his health, Mgr Cremona said:

"I urge you who are suffering with me for the strengthening of the Church in Malta not to be disheartened, and, like our brother Christians abroad who through their suffering are giving all, to hold firm to the end. Take courage. Through our hardship, our Church is being built and strengthened."

I urge you who are suffering with me for the strengthening of the Church in Malta not to be disheartened...

He made his comments at Mellieha Sanctuary, where he led a prayer vigil for persecuted Christians throughout the world. The event attracted a large seated crowd which filled the sanctuary square. Among them was Auxiliary Bishop Charles J Scicluna

Mgr Cremona said that the hardship which Christians were suffering in countries such as Iraq and Syria could not be compared in any way to the situation in Malta. They were shedding their blood for their faith, and the prayer vigil was an expression of solidarity with them and appreciation for their sacrifice.

The violence they were suffering, he said, stemmed from intolerance, the lust for power, jealousy and hatred.

They were sentiments which could also exist here and also fuel conflict. It was violence which could escalate, with the only difference being that no one was bearing arms here.

These were matters which underlined the need for tolerence and understanding, forgiveness and generosity.

Mgr Cremona called for prayers for persecuted Christians.

He said he also wished to thank the Lord for the many Christians who were also suffering in the Church and for the Church abroad and in Malta.

He was urging all those who were suffering, like him, for the strengthening of the Church not to be disheartened but to hold firm.

Among others, Mgr Cremona thanked priests and parish priests and all those, including lay people, who worked for the Church in difficult circumstances.

He also thanked parents who worked hard to instil Christian values in their children and the sick and infirm who were offering their suffering for the good of the Church.