The Church needs to continue being there for the Maltese society, irrespective of whether it is at the centre or not, Apostolic Administrator Charles Scicluna said this morning.

“The light does not have to be at the centre of a room to shed light on the entire area and yeast affects the dough wherever it is found in the mixture. Equally, we must pray for the Church to continue being a strong presence and of service to the Maltese society,” he said.

It was a direct reply to a recent message by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca in her Republic Day speech on December 13, in which she said the Catholic Church was “no longer central to our cultural activity”.

“Our vocation is being present and with efficacy be witnesses of the gospel which brings about peace and happiness. The gospel is good news that helps us improve our lives, and without imposing our values on others, we are living witnesses of it and of service to others,” he said.

“As we await Pope Francis’s decision on Malta’s new archbishop, let us continue praying for the gift of spiritual leaders,” Bishop Scicluna said during the annual exchange of greetings of the bishops with members of the public.