The Catholic faith in Malta must be “strengthened” and “updated” to ensure that the message brought to the island by St Paul, 2,000 years ago, remained relevant in today’s realities, Fr Martin Mamo said.
“We must admit that among us there is... faith haemorrhage... consumerism... pagan elements in our feasts... and religious apathy,” he said, stressing the importance of cherishing the “gift of faith” given to the Maltese people by St Paul.
He was addressing the large crowd that packed St Paul’s church in Valletta on occasion of the feast of the saint’s shipwreck in Malta. “We thank God for this gift of faith because 2,000 years ago St Paul came to Malta to bless us with this gift... We pray for Malta to keep walking in this path,” Fr Mamo said in a passionate homily.
He then addressed himself to President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Labour leader Joseph Muscat, Cabinet ministers, MPs and dignitaries who formed part of the congregation.
He said that, when it came to faith, there were no political colours. “We all fall under the same red and white flag,” he said referring the Maltese national colours.
“Today, we celebrate Malta’s baptism... Only through Christ can we build a future in today’s reality,” he said.
Fr Mamo said the Church had always been instrumental in helping out those who experienced social problems. These included prisoners, people in hospitals and irregular migrants.
“It will keep doing this in new languages and using new methods to suit today’s realities,” he said
He ended the homily with the words of St Paul: “If for other’s I’m not an apostle... for you, I am”. These words were greeted with a loud applause as the members of the congregation stood up.
Feast lovers
Wilfred Abela and his friend Mario Bonello, both 73 years old, make it a point to attend the feast of St Paul every year.
They were born and brought up in Valletta and, although they moved out of the capital after they got married, Valletta blood still runs through their veins.
“When I got married I promised my wife I’d bring her to Valletta at least twice a year: for the feasts of St Paul and of St Dominic,” Mr Bonello said with a smile.
“I still love coming to Valletta... it gives me a sense of happiness,” he said.
Mr Abela, added: “I still care deeply about the feast... Although the number of people who live in Valletta dropped to about a third of the population at the time I was a boy, the feast remains well attended... and nowadays you see more tourists.” The two couples were among the many attending the traditional march by the La Vallette band that started just before 1 p.m. The morning drizzle had subsided by then, giving way to a sunny but cold day much to the delight of festa lovers.
The procession with the statue of St Paul and the saint’s relic was held in the evening.