Gozo Bishop Mario Grech has focused on sexuality and love in his pastoral letter for the feast of Santa Maria.

"It is a well-known fact that man cannot live without love. Sexuality is one of the languages of love. No sexual activity can be genuine if love is not its driving force. In fact, there is no trace of love in rape, prostitution and paedophilia. Even the business of pornography, such as the services sold through electronic sites, makes a parody of love," he said.

"As we say for all the words we use, the language of love can be false also. This language becomes a fraudulent and a lie when the sentiments it communicates are not genuine. Jesus did not scold Judas because he "sold" him but because, in order to betray him, Judas used the language of love (the kiss) empty of its true meaning, and so a travesty of communication. Therefore, a couple that seeks to unite physically without the context of love would be denuding sexuality of its genuine significance.
Love and sexuality are noble and beautiful aspects of mankind. Perhaps we need to discover more about this link between "beautiful love" and sexuality.

The bishop called for sexual education, particularly from parents.

"Genuine education in sexuality and love demands formation for chastity. Although nowadays, chastity is not a subject for discussion in the town square, I know of some youths and engaged or married couples that practise it. Chastity does not mean that one abstains from having a sexual relation, or that one abhors sexual love, but that one 'controls one's passions and enjoy peace'. It is true that chastity demands sacrifice, but the sacrifice is a way leading to happiness."

Read a summary in English on the pdf below.