After achieving independence 50 years ago, it is now time for Malta to practise “interdependence” by supporting struggling fellow Maltese and migrants fleeing poverty and persecution, Archbishop Paul Cremona said yesterday.
“As a mature people who live in a developed nation, and as Christians, we cannot shut our eyes and ears to the call for mercy of our brothers and sisters, both locally and abroad,” he said during the Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, held to mark Independence Day.
All forms of discrimination are not in the spirit of the Gospel
The honorary guest, Prince William, sat in the same cathedral that his grandfather, Prince Philip, entered when Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964.
The Mass was attended by top dignitaries including Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle, and President Marie-Louise Colerio Preca and her husband Edgar.
During the Homily Mgr Cremona said Malta had made giant steps since that day and had become a member of the EU.
“As we share our patrimony with other European countries... let us safeguard our [Maltese] language, the richness of our history and our archaeology, and our Catholic religion, which has always been treasured by our forefathers, who battled to protect it,” he said as he urged people to remain loyal to their faith.
He also reiterated his appeal for national unity – which he first made two weeks ago on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Victories. He stressed that independence did not mean isolation. In fact, Malta had built good diplomatic and commercial relationships with other countries based on giving and taking – interdependence.
In the name of this interdependence, he appealed for support towards the thousands of people forced to flee their countries because of violence, war or poverty.
“In the name of interdependence, I wish to ask, in all humility: what is the EU, and what is our country doing in international fora for this problem to be tackled concretely and adequately?
“Why shouldn’t our country – a Catholic nation – speak out in the EU and in other international fora so that the anguished cry of this people may be heard and their fundamental rights respected?
“This is an expression of agony which is a far cry from the plea which our nation makes when it rightfully states that a country as small as ours cannot possibly contain the large number of immigrants who arrive on our shores,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation for Malta’s commitment to save migrants at sea and provide them with basic needs.
He called on the Maltese people to play their part and help support “our brethren” without resorting to discrimination based on skin colour, country of origin or religion.
“All forms of discrimination are not in the spirit of the Gospel,” he said.
He also called for the same personal support for Maltese people who are suffering.
Teachers he had spoken to had expressed amazement at how many children were unable to catch up with schoolwork because they were emotionally or socially deprived.
One girl resorted to self-harm because bodily pain dampened her emotional distress and others resorted to drugs, alcohol and pregnancy.
“I stand convinced that those people who are suffering from these problems can find other people to love them and support them generously and disinterestedly...
“I urge all Christians to do this. This too is interdependence,” he said.