I asked the editor to publish this letter on July 12 as this is the official day dedicated to the Veronica (the effigy, not the saint).

According to certain people, the Maltese Church should not recognise the Veronica and some, presumably with the blessing of the Maltese Curia, have even removed this episode from the Stations of the Cross. This is based on the theory that the canonical gospels do not make any reference to this episode. But, as with many other beliefs, we have to accept that the gospels themselves are not all-compassing.

In an article in The Times (April 15), I had shown clearly that the Veronica is recognised by the Vatican but not in topsy-turvy Malta.

This is not the only topic that is being wrongly interpreted in Malta. I had written in the past regarding the shape of the cross that was carried by Jesus on His way to Golgotha. Jesus carried the full cross and not just the crossbar but the liturgical office in Malta accepted certain paintings Hollywood style. How many of the honourable gentlemen know classical Greek? Even a number of passion plays keep on repeating this dangerous and heretical misrepresentation.

I had also written on the way St Publius is emarginated and how the readings from the Acts of the Apostles are censored and not read in full but stop short by a mere four verses so that St Publius is not mentioned. I do not know of one single country that does not honour its national saints, especially those responsible for accepting the Christian faith.

Then there is the first centenary of the International Eucharistic Congress that very few appreciate its great importance. This should serve as a basis for national reconciliation. The Archbishop had ample funds to dispense of during the divorce debacle but it seems he cannot afford to commemorate properly this unique national event.

There is also the mistaken theory that our feasts are too boisterous. The purists want to silence the bells, curtail street decorations and eliminate all forms of fireworks. I agree that these should be properly, I repeat properly, organised but these traditions go back many centuries. Those that move into any village core should accept that traditions cannot be eliminated just to satisfy their short-sighted views of our festivities.

It is unfortunate that the Curia does not seem to be able to stand up to safeguard our traditions. The anti-feast lobby declares that our feasts are quasi pagan celebrations. So what? Many Christian festivals were established instead of old pagan customs. Even the great King David had organised big and colourful celebrations and sang and danced accompanied by many musical instruments.

This is religion in Malta! Opinions range from ultra-orthodox to extreme modernism. A few self appointed “scholars” want to invert and usurp established customs and teachings. The worst part of the problem seems to be that certain members of the clergy foment hatred and division among the faithful and even the saints themselves instead of giving a good example of Christian love and tolerance. All this with the apparent blessing of the Archbishop!