There is no doubt that one of the biggest phenomena of this century is the illegal immigration of boatfuls of people coming from the African countries. But illegal immigration is not a recent event. Throughout history, man has migrated from one place to another. Many scientists believe that man originated in Africa and from there he experienced migration to the four corners of the world, meantime adapting himself to climate and terrain and learning from the many new ordeals he had to face.

Persecution also played a part in forcing people to leave their abode and to seek safety somewhere else. A classical example of this is the migration of the Holy Family to Egypt to escape the persecution of King Herod who wanted to exterminate all the babies in his domain.

Another important element that stimulated the necessity of migration was work. Some of our forefathers left Malta to look for work in European countries as well as in North African countries, and once emigration became organised they went to British colonies like Australia. Unfortunately not all emigrated legally and one can here recall the number of castaways who died tragically on board ships in their desperate attempts to leave the islands. Those were hard times but it is good to remember these incidents and to keep them in mind as they will help us to have a compassionate heart towards the illegal immigrants of today.

Illegal immigration as a political issue is best left to the politician. But illegal immigration as an ethical and moral issue is something that The Holy Name Society cannot ignore. The basic principle of our society is that every human being, irrespective of colour, race or creed, is born in the likeness of God and for this reason every human being should be respected and treated with dignity. Man has his basic rights which should not be denied him. He should not be despised.

He should not be physically, morally or psychologically abused. Illegal immigrants, like all other humans, are created in the likeness of God and hence they too should be respected and we are duty bound to safeguard their human rights.

It is true that every country has to keep in mind its particular economic conditions but this should not be used as a tool to take advantage of these people simply because they are in dire economic straits and because they are not an organised entity.

In order to put an end to illegal immigration it is imperative that we put an end to poverty in the African countries which have for years used or exported a lot of their natural riches during the long colonial era.

There is no doubt that in the course of history there were many people who worked hard to help the poor in Africa; some even lost their lives in their heroic endeavour.

But, unfortunately, others unscrupulously used these people and sometimes even ill-treated them.

Rich countries are morally bound to work for a solution to eradicate poverty in these countries, they are duty bound to try and put an end to the wars that are ravaging there. There needs to be a balanced distribution of wealth. These people are entitled to social justice. It is important to stop the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. The African continent still has enough wealth to feed everyone. But the distribution of wealth needs to be organised.

The Holy Name Society appeals to the Maltese to show kindness and justice towards the unfortunate people. Malta has no natural resources but throughout history its people have practically always been blessed with the basic necessities of life.

This has been God's gift to us as a nation that has always been charitable to others. May we now continue to show these good qualities. Although we might feel confused and perhaps even a bit frightened by the phenomenon of illegal immigration, let us keep in mind that along with the European solidarity which we continually and rightfully seek, we must keep our faith in the God of Mercy. Let us keep our tradition of helping the asylum seeker, the poor, the social outcast, the immigrant. Let us not allow a very small group to influence us against them and to instil in us racial hatred. God created all men equal. He redeemed all men by His passion, death and resurrection. He wants us all, without distinction, to enjoy Him forever in after-life.