Malta does not have an archbishop at present. As the process for the Church to nominate one continues, we, as mothers, would like to list the requirements the candidate should meet.

He needs to be a bishop who is concerned with the general well-being of the Maltese people. One for whom those individuals who are struggling to find peace in their busy, stressful lives are just as worrying as the dwindling church attendance.

A bishop whose soul is connected to his body. One who can express himself on matters such as obesity and sport, preservative-laden food, illegal zoos and buildings and exploited workers, and speak just as eloquently on the importance of prayer.

The question of how people can be spiritual if they are disconnected from their bodies and nature around them arises. For the person chosen, every subject dealing with humans and life should be a core subject.

Every subject dealing with humans and life should be a core subject

Someone who can create a sense of unity within the Church. A bishop for whom the issue of smart meters at Armier is not just something for the Interdiocesan Environmental Commission to worry about but rather a matter for the whole Church to be concerned by.

A bishop who believes in a cosmopolitan Malta. One who can address the rational and irrational fears of the Maltese in relation to immigration, while always responding with love.

He would ideally be capable of guiding people towards a new Maltese identity – integrating immigrants, foreign workers and EU residents.

A bishop who can talk about faith in a way that is relevant to today’s world. One who can speak of the protection of the weak embryo threatened by abortion and understands the feelings of a mother facing an unplanned pregnancy.

A bishop who is comfortable in the presence of Catholics, atheists, humanists and secular people alike. A bishop who can speak to the different audiences of our liberal democratic society, networking and building bridges.

A bishop who ensures professionalism is a standard across the numerous Church institutions. Where people who need a birth certificate can get one online; where monks in the convent answer the telephone nicely; where parents registering their children in Church schools are not treated as illiterates by having someone fill in the form on their behalf.

A bishop who ensures the Church becomes more financially transparent on all levels. A poor Church, yet one which has the funds to run its own services. Just like the “steward” in the New Testament, a person who balances the qualities of honesty, integrity, transparency, responsibility and accountability.

A bishop who is happy to live his faith in a minority. Maltese practising Catholics of our age are a minority anyway! He should not try to convert people but simply give witness of love, allowing people the liberty to be who they wish to be. Just like Mother Teresa, who never preached about Jesus unless she was asked, but who simply demonstrated love through her words and actions.

A bishop who introduces the Church’s best kept secret – Catholic social teaching – in religion classes in schools. This will help to promote a generation of people who can show solidarity towards others, not simply by donating €10 but by taking an active interest in what’s going on around them. This will empower them to become men and women for others, rather than to go on in a live-and-let-live culture.

A bishop who is powerful, yet weak at the same time.

He is not an authoritarian bishop who tries to appear the holder of all truth that we are after but, rather, one who is happy to simply be a voice among many.

To quote atheist philosopher Jurgen Habermas, he would act in a “post-secular society”, yet be a powerful voice whose strength stems from love.

A supportive bishop. Starting with those closest to him – the priests and staff working in all religious entities – many of whom are stressed, burnt out and overworked, most of them in silence. Secondly, to the Maltese flock as it faces one change after another.

A bishop who does not propose concrete political solutions, yet sheds light on the application of reason in our daily lives when it comes to politics, economics and the social sphere.

This will ensure that they are of better quality and also more people-oriented.

If you fit the above requirements, please call the nuncio.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.