The Church in Malta appreciates the benevolence of voluntary contributions. The habit is transmitted to successive generations.

Periodic appeals for support of charitable schemes are willingly accepted with mutual gratitude. Priests are rewarded for service marking deaths of the faithful departed. Private functions, including christening and marriage ceremonies, are handsomely rewarded.

The visit of the parish priest to bless homes draws an annual gratuity. No money is demanded but a monetary gift in an enclosed envelope is ‘reluctantly’ accepted.

Death also needs the participation and attendance of the priest all the way to the cemetery. No amount is prescribed but contributions are willingly accepted. A childless widow may also make the Church her legal beneficiary.

Festa time plays on the enthusiastic generosity of the celebrating crowds. Some villagers even compete in an auction. Willingly, they fork out good money for the honour of carrying the statue of the patron saint on feast day.

Over the years, benefactors endowed the Church with an array of silver ornaments, gold embroidered chasubles, artistic paintings and statues.

It is said that the income of the Church from such benevolent contributions amounts to €7.5 million. Of course, the Church shares this generosity by “its initiatives that impact people from all walks of life”. This idea of sharing has been ingrained in the minds of the Maltese people since the inception of Christianity in 60 AD.

On the other hand, government taxation was introduced in Malta in 1948. Since then, it has been ‘embellished’ by other forms.

Why has the government failed, so miserably, in raising the enthusiasm of the public?

Why is government taxation so resented? After all, the public receives back all their contributions for social services including education and health.