10 years ago - The Times
Monday, September 22, 2008
Church ‘will not interfere in State’s decisions’
The Church does not want to interfere in society’s choices regarding its quality of life, whether these choices are made via a referendum or through Parliament, but this does not mean it should not voice its opinions, Archbishop Paul Cremona said in his Independence Day homily at St John’s Co-Cathedral yesterday. Freedom of expression and pluralism are important elements of a democracy, he stressed, arguing that in this context the Church has a right and a duty to state what it stands for.
University lecturers do not rule out strike
The union representing University lecturers is not ruling out a strike when the new academic year begins, should talks over the new collective agreement remain deadlocked.
The president of the University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA), Victor Buttigieg, told The Times that without the new collective agreement, the university would be downgraded to a “glorified school” and would not be able to achieve the targets it had set.
The clock is ticking fast as the first term is set to open on October 1.
25 years ago - The Times
Wednesday, September 22, 1993
Archbishop warns against dangers of social ills
The Archbishop warned yesterday against apathy, and a lack of interest and commitment, which were weakening moral values and threatening democracy.
He said that for true democracy to grow, “we have to be able to get rid of every risk of social illness”.
Praising political parties as an essential instrument in the type of democracy Malta practised, he warned that parties which found themselves in crisis were a danger to democracy.
Mgr Mercieca was delivering a homily during Pontifical High Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral, celebrated as part of the official activities to mark Independence Day.
The Mass was attended by, among others, President Tabone, Prime Minister Fenech Adami and leading dignitaries.
The Archbishop’s homily dwelt on the strength of democracy, with Mgr Mercieca pointing out that gatherings like yesterday’s should be moments of serious reflection.
Democracy in Malta has been a positive development but it was not an automatic guarantee that there would not be disorder in the country.
Half a century ago - Sunday Times of Malta
Sunday, September 22, 1968
Independence anniversary celebrations
Malta celebrated the fourth anniversary of independence yesterday with Mass and Te Deum at St John’s Co-Cathedral and a colourful parade at the Independence Arena.
His Grace the Archbishop, Mgr Michael Gonzi, who returned to Malta from Rome on Friday, celebrated Pontifical High Mass. He was assisted by Mgr G. Mifsud, Mgr E. Brincat, Mgr Prof. J. Sapiano, Mgr F.X. Xuereb and Mgr C. Xuereb.
HE the Governor-General, Sir Maurice Dorman, inspected a guard of honour mounted by the royal engineers on St John’s Square before entering the Co-Cathedral.
After Mass, His Grace intoned the Te Deum. The congregation then sang the national anthem.
Attending Mass at St John’s were Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Dorman, the Prime Minister, George Borg Olivier, His Honour the Chief Justice, Sir Anthony Mamo, and Lady Mamo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, A. Bonnici, and Mrs Bonnici, members of the Diplomatic Corps, heads of government departments, senior service officers, and representatives of religious and lay organisations.