Children rushed around what used to be the refectory at the Curia in Floriana collecting signatures from three bishops yesterday.

They had just been given a religious book by Archbishop Paul Cremona and were enthusiastic to get it signed by him, Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca.

It is not so common for children to be in close contact with the Church leaders they learn about at school and pray for during Mass. And the informal occasion yesterday provided the right atmosphere for them to mingle with the bishops.

Some came with their parents, who attended the customary exchange of greetings with the bishops at the Curia, while others formed part of the Dingli parish children’s commission.

The bishops were treated to an adaptation of Kurt Calleja’s Eurovision song This is the Night by the Dingli children. As they sang away, dancing to the upbeat tune, the bishops looked on with a smile.

Mgr Cremona rewarded their effort by distributing chocolates. He even had a chocolate for a journalist, who jokingly dropped to his knees pretending to be a child.

In a short message, Mgr Cremona urged married couples to show forgiveness, be patient and less self-centred.

No problem was too big if couples kept God in their life, he added.

The Church yesterday marked the celebration of the Holy Family, a fundamental value, Mgr Cremona said. “Through their love, couples give birth to children and God wants them to continue raising their children in love.”

Mgr Cremona said that every time he saw two young people kiss, he prayed God to help them not hurt each other later on in life.

A children’s choir sang Christmas carols in the background as the bishops mingled with the small crowd, wishing parents and children well for the new year.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com