Author: Mark Cachia

Do we, as Catholics, watch from the balcony?

Some years ago, during a meeting with Christian Life Communities members, Pope Francis had wondered if, as Catholics, we have a tendency to look at politics from the balcony. However, according to the Pope, our place is not to watch from a balcony but to get involved and give it our best.

Inspired by these words and by Yahad, which was recently issued by the Justice and Peace Commission, during the last few months a number of workshops were organized for St Aloysius College educators… Read more »

Let us dream as a single human family

A journey of eight weeks centred on the Encyclical Fratelli Tutti comes to an end. The aim of these eight meetings, which took place in Marsascala Parish, was not only that of explaining the thought of Pope Francis but also that of asking ourselves how, on an individual level and as a community, we can build a society built on the foundations of justice, truth and mercy… Read more »

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum (On Capital and Labour). He shone a light on the injustice and exploitation of workers by the rich during the Industrial Revolution. He advocated for workers to join forces and fight against inhuman conditions. Since then, Church teaching has upheld the dignity of work and participation. Read more »

…

Peace is the fruit of Justice

On 24 February 2022 the Russian government launched a brutal and undeclared invasion of Ukraine. Like many civil society actors, Justice and Peace Europe immediately condemned the Russian aggression. Today, as secretaries general of Justice and Peace Commissions in Europe we reaffirm on the foundation of our Christian values and convictions that whilst diplomacy remains essential, some principles are non-negotiable, in particular respect for the dignity of every human being, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the imperative of non-aggression, which is the basis for peaceful coexistence… Read more »

Care for creation

“If we approach nature and the environment without…openness to awe and wonder, if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs. By contrast, if we feel intimately united with all that exists, then sobriety and care will well up spontaneously.” (Laudato Si 11) Read more »

…

Losing their lives whilst trying to make a living

On this year’s Workers’ Day, the Justice and Peace Commission would like to draw attention once again to the tragic fate of those construction workers who, in a pattern which sadly continues to repeat itself all too often, are losing their lives whilst trying to make a living. Serious workplace injuries and fatalities occur also in other economic sectors such as manufacturing. However, the highest number of workplace fatalities happen on construction sites. 

Whilst acknowledging that construction is an inherently hazardous job, as testified also by the 369 non-fatal workplace accidents reported in this sector in 2021, as a country we cannot afford to reach a point where these tragedies are normalised by being presented as faceless statistical numbers… Read more »

Exploring the Encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’

The Encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” is a potent expression of faith in times of doubt, a call for hope in times of fear and a challenge to love. This Encyclical is a blend of Franciscan themes and Ignatian discernment, combined with the Catholic Social Teaching.

Over eight weeks, the themes of this Encyclical will be discussed with the parish community in Marsaskala. The first meeting, which focused on the parable of the Good Samaritan, was held on the 21st of April in Villa Apap Bologna and saw the attendance of around 25 parishioners… Read more »

Live: Protecting peace amid the rubble of war

Date: Tue 19th April, 2022

Time: 19:00

Venue: Dar Ħanin Samaritan, Santa Venera

As the war in Ukraine is in its seventh week, the Justice and Peace Commission will be holding a public lecture on how Catholic Social Teaching sheds light on the responsibility of the international community, including Malta, to protect innocent lives from the severity of conflicts and wars… Read more »

Prayer and action for justice and peace in Ukraine and the whole world

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Roman 5:5)

The Paschal mystery of Christ takes us to the heart of injustice, violence and suffering. The story of Christ’s passion and death echoes human suffering and tragedies experienced in many parts of our world, not least by Ukrainians in their own country and wherever the roads of exile have taken them… Read more »

3rd anniversary of Lassana Cisse’s brutal murder

Wednesday, 6 April, 2022 is the 3rd anniversary of Lassana Cisse’s brutal murder. Such acts of violence have to be remembered, not forgotten or silenced. Several organisations are standing in front of the Law Courts today in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who continue to face violence just because they are black. The Maltese community is standing together with the black community against any form of racism and acts of violence… Read more »