While exchanging the season’s greetings at the Curia recently, Archbishop Charles Scicluna beautifully spoke of the need for people to be ambassadors of the Lord’s affection. This role is reflected for instance in the joy and kindness transmitted in their daily lives by Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi accompanying him at this event.

The Archbishop added that Christmas comes once a year to remind us God is always here around us although there are times when we may feel as though He has forgotten us. This can be instilled in us when we are convinced that earthly possessions come and go but God’s love is eternal.

This conviction is what basically inspires people to be generous both with material wealth and time. This is what, in turn, makes a caring society possible. This is what concretely contributes to solidarity.

Particularly this time of the year, another striking living example of solidarity in action is President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. Through her energetic dedication to this cause, she leads by example. Her legacy of the presidency will be her empathetic commitment that leaves such a positive impact on those in need of support in most difficult times.

In all humility, when people express their gratitude she does not attribute anything to herself but to the generosity of the people.

She will not stop here, however. She will continue to propagate the Archbishop’s message to be ambassadors of the Lord’s affection most worthily and effectively.