A few days ago, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna issued a decree to renew the Justice & Peace Commission. Architect Daniel Darmanin has been renominated as president of the Commission, a role which he has served for the past three years. Walance Buttigieg Scicluna, Katrine Camilleri, and John Paul Cauchi have been renewed as members of the commission. Fr. Carlo Calleja, Maria Cardona and Daniela Debono have been appointed as new members… Read more »
Statement of the Executive Committee of Justice & Peace Europe on the current situation in Belarus.
Following the Presidential election in Belarus held on 9 August 2020, thousands of protesters took to the streets to reject the election results as manipulated, leading to violent clashes with the country’s security forces. According to reports, the disproportionate violence deployed by Belarusian authorities has cost at least two lives and caused hundreds of injuries… Read more »
It is often said many times that Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, on the protection of our common home, conveys a prophetic message. This means that it stimulates discussion, challenges hard-set ways of thinking, and leads individuals and society at large to a thorough examination of conscience.
One of the controversial points raised by the encyclical is that on population growth, which the Pope addresses in paragraph 50… Read more »
This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, and this year we do so with greater joy because after a long time we can celebrate the Eucharist together again. But the Eucharist is not just about going to mass and receiving Holy Communion; it must be translated into commitment for others. In Christ’s words by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and more… Read more »
Thirty years ago, the Maltese islands were blessed with the pastoral visit of Saint John Paul II, a visit fondly remembered by many till this day. During his visit he had several encounters and gave numerous speeches. One of those was his encounter with the workers in Cospicua.
Pope John Paul II spoke about what he describes as the “Gospel of work”, which holds that all honest labour, competently carried out, has an innate dignity and confers dignity on those engaged in it. … Read more »
An Antidote against Helplessness in a Globalised World
Moments of crisis are always moments of change. Whether they turn out to be moments of growth or of regression, however, depends entirely on us. While Malta, like the rest of the world, was straining to keep the COVID-19 pandemic under control, it was being challenged by another not unfamiliar issue. Stranded in its seas and pleading entry into its ports were children, women and men crammed on flimsy crafts, seeking brighter futures in Europe for themselves and for their loved ones still trapped in their beleaguered homelands… Read more »
On this day dedicated to the family, we ought to take some time to stop and reflect on this very important reality that forms the bedrock of our society. It is within the family that one learns that mutual respect, justice, dialogue and love are essential for successful coexistence. If one proves to be responsible and to practice solidarity in the “little things”, it will be more likely to do so “in big things” too. The family thereby makes an irreplaceable contribution to the “humanization of society” (C… Read more »
This year’s celebration of Workers’ Day occurs in a somewhat unique context. A context in which the question of work is more pronounced than ever before. In the last weeks, many of us have experienced a complete change in the way we work. Some are working from home, for some it is impossible to work, and others have ended without a job. Then there are those whose work our society relies on, and whose contribution we cannot do without.
The situation has made us question what truly is essential in our lives, and what value we are giving those whose work is essential at the moment… Read more »
“I thirst” These words were uttered by Jesus on the cross. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (Jn. 7:37) Jesus’s words attest to the fact that water is essential for the survival and well-being of all human beings. The very definition of life requires water. Astronomers look for water when evaluating the possibility of life on other planets. Aqua fons vitae (the document recently published by the Vatican) identifies three main dimensions relevant to water and its management: water for human use, water for human activities and water as space.
The World Health Organisation has recognized that safe access to drinking water and sanitization is a human right. Yet, several poor areas have their access to safe drinking water threatened by high prices imposed by the market. Periods of drought remove freely available freshwater sources. Lack of sanitation facilities expose women to sexual abuse and keep girls away from schools. Chemical substances released into the waters from agricultural and industrial practices lead to bioaccumulation inside humans, and can potentially lead to irreversible detrimental health effects. This underlines the importance of investing in sustainable water infrastructure in these countries. It is worth noting that for every dollar invested in water and sanitation, it is possible to save up to 12 dollars in health costs alone. It is everyone’s duty not to waste water and moderate consumption. Wastewater treatment is beneficial and has a role in implementing a circular economy. With everyone’s efforts, resources can be directed to help the poor achieve integral development… Read more »
As an Easter greeting we would like to remember the words of Pope Francis, from the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelli Gaudium:
Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force. Often it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty… Read more »
