The parish priests of Malta’s 70 parishes recently discussed their pastoral priorities in the light of the census conducted last year regarding Mass attendance and faith on the island. The discussion took place during the annual live-in at the Archbishop’s Seminary, Tal-Virtù, Rabat.

Various experts and other speakers, including three lay people were invited to attend the live-in to listen to the realities faced by the parish priests and to offer their opinions thereon from an outside perspective. These included Joseanne Peregin, a mother who is an active member of Christian Life Community and co-founder of Drachma Parents; Joseph Pellicano, a youth preparing for a Christian marriage who works as a counsellor; and Louise Laferla, a mother, a pharmacist and a theology graduate.

They spoke about the importance that formed lay people do not limit themselves to their participation in Christian groups but that they go beyond their comfort zones to assist parish priests with the extensive work in their parishes. The work that lay people could help in included the celebration of Mass, the giving of other sacraments, communitarian prayer, individual spiritual accompaniment, assisting people who are sick or passing through other difficulties in life, and offering concrete help to the poor in their respective parish.

Other themes discussed included the identity of parish priests, their mission in society and the importance of collaborating with lay people. This synergy helps parish priests to be creative in the way they transmit the experience of faith to others, including those who have distanced themselves from the Church or are on its periphery.

The parish priests were also addressed by various guest speakers, including Fr Josef Pace OFM Conv, anthropologist Dr David Zammit, sociologist Prof. Edward Zammit and public policy experts Prof. Edward Warrington and Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo.

Another guest speaker was psychologist Dr Nicholas Briffa who spoke about a new support service that is being provided to priests in Malta to promote their holistic well-being.

The live-in was also attended by Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi.