Xandru Cassar – President, Żgħażagħ Ħaddiema Nsara

Life often feels like a mad rush. We do things without stopping to ask why, launching ourselves headlong into the tasks at hand, so easily losing sight of what really matters. As my time as a student draws to a close, I felt the need to step back from this frenzy, to take a moment to reflect on what I wanted to do next.

Having attended retreats organised by the Jesuits in the past and gained so much from them, it was something similar that I was after. Faith & Politics – a week-long workshop organised by Jesuit Social Centres in Milan, Dublin, and Brussels which I attended last month (along with KĠP President Daniel Darmanin) – fit the bill.

What was Faith & Politics (to me)?

Firstly, Faith & Politics was an opportunity to evaluate my life, discern my desires, and understand myself through the tools of Ignatian spirituality (more on here), to which I was reintroduced.

Secondly, Faith & Politics was an occasion to appreciate how we can link our faith – by which I mean what we believe in and stand for, not religious creed – to our day-to-day life. We can embody and advance what is important to us through what we do and how we do it. If justice is what really makes me tick, I might choose to work or volunteer for an entity which protects those who are vulnerable, and I might choose to live as a citizen of Malta without putting myself above the law (e.g., by paying taxes I’m due). That’s intuitive enough. What really struck me is that our faith is really a concrete tool which can guide our decision-making, especially at those critical junctures in life. Your passion for justice, or freedom, or respect, or to love your family is not just pie in the sky or soppy mumbo-jumbo. It is something really powerful and specific to you, and that you should really allow to weigh on you next time you’re choosing what study unit to take, what job to apply for, or whether to sign up for some opportunity or other. Your faith really can guide you – let it.

Thirdly, Faith & Politics was a brilliant excuse to spend a week in Venice.

So what are the take-aways I have to offer?

First, Ignatian spirituality is a handy tool, especially when making choices. If you’re unfamiliar, I’d recommend a read (link again). You don’t have to subscribe to all of it – use what helps you.

Second, take what you believe in seriously. It’s not something to chat about occasionally or share Facebook posts about. It’s a vocation you – specifically you – are called to. Embrace it all the way.

Third, Venice is lovely AND cheaper than Malta. Aperol spritz for €4! Tell me where you can find such a drink so cheap on our island! Seriously – email me if you know a place!

The Venice Faith & Politics seminar is a bi-annual event held in the city of Venice since 2006. More information can be found here: https://faithandpolitics.eu/vision-and-mission/