Apostolic Administrator Charles Scicluna this morning paid tribute to the Armed Forces of Malta, which he described as “small but effective”.

He praised them for their work in the Mediterranean to save people affected by their destiny. In waters full of dangers, their work was a battle against enormous difficulties, a battle between David and Goliath, Mgr Scicluna said.

The Apostolic Administrator said prayed for the Maltese soldiers to remain confident and to play their part in this battle in favour of solidarity and human dignity, whoever the people were.

In an homily at St John’s Co-Cathedral on the occasion of the deposition of the army’s old colours, the bishop invited soldiers not to put God aside, to seek recovery in confession and comfort in the Eucharist and to never be ashamed to seek to listen to the word of God.

“I thank you on behalf of the Lord for your work to safeguard our country and democracy, which is the foundation of the Republic of Malta. I hope the missions you implement would also be aimed at safeguarding human dignity, whatever the religion, skin colour and race of the people involved.

“I hope that your work and mission, which sometimes has to include use of force, will never end in violence which could be detrimental to human dignity. We need your courage, your sacrifice and your protection.

“We want to find in you shelter and peace of mind, as we pray for you and support you,” Mgr Scicluna said.