The Laudato Si’ Action Platform, is an online platform through which the Vatican’s Dicastery Promoting Integral Human Development is promoting a 7-year action plan with clear goals and concrete actions, in favour of integral ecology. Families, educational institutions, economic entities, healthcare organisations, parishes, dioceses, organisations/groups and religious institutions can implement this plan. Certainly, both the Catholic Church and other non-religious entities can adopt it.

Pope Francis, in 2015, wrote a letter to all people of goodwill entitled Laudato Si’ – On Care For Our Common Home, is a letter. This letter encourages us to be “stewards of creation”. Pope Francis writes that urgent action needs to be taken to re-examine and restore our relationships. He mentions our relationship with our Divine Creator and our relationship with our fellow human beings especially the poor. Finally, our relationship with Mother Earth. He believes that these three are connected – “everything is connected.” (Par 91)

Laudato Si’ goals and concrete action

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is based on the goals outlined in Laudato Si’. Most noteworthy, these goals emphasise redefining and rebuilding our relationships with each other and with our common home. These seven holistic goals call for a spiritual and cultural revolution to achieve integral ecology. They are found in a document within the Laudato Si’ Action Platform website entitled Overview of Goals and Action. In addition to each goal, a set of actions is being proposed in the coming months. These can be implemented by various entities around the world.

Some of the proposed actions include:

– “Improving sustainability in diets by reducing food waste before and after market, composting, buying food from local producers when possible, transitioning from meat-based to plant-based meals.”

– “Protecting waterways and land by ensuring sensible fertilizer use, instituting drop irrigation and other conservative irrigation models, planting waterway buffers, avoiding the installation of impermeable surfaces around buildings.”

– “Promoting and protecting Indigenous leadership by ensuring Indigenous communities have the rights to their land and by elevating Indigenous leadership.”

– “Sharing resources and wisdom by learning from elders, sharing social resources, sharing monetary resources, and holding community-wide action days.”

– “Ensuring financial investments are ethical and sustainable by divesting from fossil fuels, investing in socially responsible enterprises, and choosing ethical banking and insurance companies.”

– “Practicing fair and sustainable purchasing by supporting ethical businesses, taking a “total cost of ownership approach” to purchases, making a sustainability shopping list, and purchasing from local retailers.”

– “Improving sustainability in consumer purchases by eliminating the use of disposable plastic and styrofoam, correctly recycling as much as possible, and reducing purchases of new consumer goods.”

– “Delivering equitable access to education by ensuring under-represented groups are educated, shaping education programs with a wide variety of people, offering culturally appropriate and/or alternative forms of education, and ensuring that education promotes human rights and dignity.”

These actions and many more are listed under the 7 goals which are: adoption of sustainable lifestyles, community engagement and participatory action, ecological economics, ecological education, ecological spirituality, response to the cry of the earth and response to the cry of the poor.

Endorsement in the community

This 7-year action plan is being endorsed by 150 organisations around the world so far. These include CAFOD, Caritas International, EcoJesuit, the Don Bosco Green Alliance, the Focolare Movement, and The Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Franciscan Minors. Moreover, many more organisations are still enrolling.

What is the Laudato Si’ Action Platform?

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform provides an action-oriented 7-year ecological conversion journey in the spirit of integral ecology. All people of goodwill, are guided by the seven crosscutting Laudato Si’ Goals mentioned above, to learn, grow together and respond to Pope Francis’ letter On Care for Our Common Home. Furthermore, the platform offers inspiration, resources and a flexible framework. This helps translate the values and knowledge of Laudato Si’ into communities of action around the world. This platform is still open to new individuals and groups who wish to join this community and pledge their commitment to developing their own Laudato Si’ Plan.

There is hope

In spite of the social and environmental crisis we are facing, Pope Francis believes that there is still hope. He calls us to develop a “loving awareness” of the common home we share. Furthermore, he encourages us to act on the values we hold dear. He also calls us to urgently embark on new ways of living with “creativity and enthusiasm”, to promote integral ecology. (Par 220 and 221)

For more information and FAQs on the Laudato Sì Action Platform, please visit:
https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/more-information/

Read more:
– Astronomy and Faith
– Ecological Conversion Definition

The post Vatican Encourages “Transitioning to Plant Based Diets” – Laudato Si’ Action Platform appeared first on Universe of Faith.

1. You have been working with people with disabilities for quite a while. Where did it start?

Fr Martin Micallef: “A little less than 50 years ago, when I was a student attending primary and secondary schools, there was no concept of inclusive education in Malta. Therefore, persons with a disability did not attend school in our towns and villages, much less catechism centres. Children with disability were only given this possibility in the nineties. Thus, in my younger days, I was never exposed to the reality of persons with disability.

During the summer of my first year at the Seminary, two seminarians and I had participated in a work experience at St Vincent De Paule Residence for the aged.  There, for the first time, I met with various persons with disability. Some of these people were still quite young. They were residents in this home for the aged even though it was not the appropriate environment for them.

This experience opened my awareness to people with disabilities.  Since then, I started paying particular attention to this sector. I started reading books and attending conferences to enhance my understanding of these persons. Moreover, I was also interested to see how the Church and society could provide them with support so that they could live their life to the fullest. I did another summer work experience at the Day Centre in Ħal Far for persons with disability as well as an attachment with the Arche communities in Liverpool, England that offered residential services for persons with disability.

2. People with disabilities in the parish setting

Another experience that really impressed me was when, as a seminarian, I was attached to the Żurrieq Parish. That time I managed to visit around 75 persons with a disability in their own home. This experience taught me how important it is to listen directly to people with disabilities and to their relatives. This is the only way to really respond to their needs, aspirations and expectations.

"I managed to visit around 75 persons 
with a disability in their own home"

When I was in the process of selecting the theme of my theses for my Licentiate in Pastoral Theology, I opted to focus on the theme of sexuality and persons with disabilities. On becoming a priest, I involved myself in the Muscular Dystrophy Group as well as in the National Parents’ Society of Persons With Disability.  At the same time, in the parish, I made it a point to meet these persons and talk to them. I wanted to see what kind of support they needed from the parish, but also to see how they could feel more included in the life of the parish.

In 2001, the Archbishop asked me to be his representative on the National Commission for Persons with Disability. At that time, I used to involve myself also with the deaf community. As a Diocese, we started offering a paid service by interpreters of Sign Language in Maltese, during the Saturday evening mass at the University Chapel. This service was also offered on particular occasions, such as the first Holy Communions or weddings of deaf persons, whenever they asked for this service.  In 2008, Archbishop Paul Cremona OP asked me to become the Director of Dar tal-Providenza. This home has offered residential services for persons with disabilities, since 1968.”

3. What does your work consist of, and what disabilities do the residents experience?

Fr Martin Micallef: “Primarily, as Director of Dar tal-Providenza, I coordinate all the work done at the Home. First and foremost, my main focus is to ensure that the residents of the Home receive individualised services of the highest level that respect their rights, needs and dignity.  Besides this, I need to see that the services offered by the Home are sustainable. This obviously entails good planning to see that we have the necessary operational funds. We organise fund-raising activities all year round to raise funds.

Today, the Home offers long-term residential services to 115 persons with disabilities, the majority of whom have an intellectual disability. In another home at Qawra – Dar Akkwarell, we host two persons with physical disabilities.

4. What does working with people with disabilities teach you? 

Fr Martin Micallef: “Working with people with disabilities has taught me more than ever that we should not consider their difference as a threat but rather as something beautiful. Through my experiece with persons with disabilities, I learnt that, before looking at the disability I should look at the ability. I believe that in society everyone has something to offer. Therefore, it is important that we support and empower these persons to develop their full potential so that they can participate actively and fully in society.

"these persons still face 
various types of discrimintation
consciously or unconsciously"

Although today there is more awareness of the rights of people with disabilities, from my own experience I can say that they still face various types of discrimination, consciously or unconsciously, that impedes them from enjoying equal opportunities. This has increased in me the need for justice, and I feel duty-bound to speak out against these injustices. At the same time,  we also need to encourage persons with disabilities as well as their relatives to speak out in favour of a society that truly treats everyone equally.

5. Are there new elements in your faith that you have discovered?

Fr Martin Micallef: Spiritually I feel enriched when I meet persons with disabilities who, like others, are for me the best example of the values of the gospel. In his Apostolic Exhortation, Rejoice and Be Glad, Pope Francis emphasises that holiness is not limited only to the few that the Church declares as saints. We can see holiness in the person who lives in the “door next to us, in those that live close to us and are a mirror of God’s presence.”

A special moment that helps me grow in giving myself to others is when I have the opportunity to wash the feet of some of the residents at the Home on Maundy Thursday. They really look forward to this beautiful gesture so much so that some of them ask me to wash both their feet. In this yearly gesture I feel more and more motivated so that, like Jesus, I love others with unconditional love.

6. Are there any gifts that you have received by working with people with disabilities?

Fr Martin Micallef: “Some persons with an intellectual disability have taught me the beauty of small gestures towards others. I can recall that look in their eyes that expresses gratitude, that nice smile, that hug that expresses friendship or pardon, the gratitude reciprocated with very simple gifts but given with a big heart.”

7. Is there any special memory that you will never forget?

Fr Martin Micallef: “One of the most beautiful moments I had during my years at Id-Dar tal-Providenza, will always be the encounter that a number of residents had with Pope Francis, at the Vatican, on Sunday, 13^th September 2015, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Home. The embrace that Frankie gave the Pope that day remains imprinted in my memory. In that hug, I will always see God’s embrace towards each and every person, without any distinction.”

8. How do you deal with difficult moments?

Fr Martin Micallef: “In my own life and in my own pastoral work I had a lot of beautiful and satisfying moments but, like everyone else, I also had difficult moments and situations. I learnt that, in life, no one is immune to these difficulties. I always tried to solve them with patience, through dialogue and by seeking good advice. In the face of the cancer illness that I experienced last year, I understood that this was a time when God’s will for me was to take care of my health by allowing the doctors to do what was necessary for me. Above all, I firmly believe that prayer remains the strongest defence against every difficult situation we are faced with.”

9. As a society, how can we become more respectful towards people with disabilities?

Fr Martin Micallef: “I believe that today, the Maltese society today respects diversity more than before. Although we have to admit that there is a lot more to be done, the rights of persons with disabilities in Malta today are guaranteed thanks, in a special way, to the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act as well as Malta’s ratification of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. During these last years, thanks to the increase in awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities, the provision of more support services within the community, inclusive education, and more work opportunities amongst other initiatives, these persons can enjoy the respect and dignity that they rightly deserve. Just like everyone else.”

Read more:
– Living With Cerebral Palsy: My Body – God’s Temple
– Deep Love Poem – What is Love?

The post Working With People With Disabilities – An Experience appeared first on Universe of Faith.

Supporting projects with a good cause

“I have grown up in the Curia,” Rose-Anne says. “I find it very motivating to be part of the Church’s mission especially to accompany children and families with a difficult past in their journey helping them reach their full potential.” Rose-Anne and her colleagues, service all nine of the Church’s children’s homes and homes for the elderly, all the parishes and a shelter for twelve families who are victims of domestic violence. She also sits on Boards and attends meetings with third parties to assist these entities.

Working in an office

Rose-Anne doesn’t mind working for long hours in an office. “Spending long hours in front of a computer does not bother me at all.  The fact that I am involved in so many entities means that my day is varied because each entity has its own mission and peculiarities.  My job gives me the opportunity to work in a team, and also to work on my own. I enjoy both.  I look forward to spending some time on my own as this is the time when I am the most productive and these are the times when I manage to think ‘out of the box’, sometimes challenging my own ways of doing things.”

On bad days

Not all days are a bed of roses. “I do have difficult times in this finance job. There were also moments when I felt like leaving my job. At times it would be the pressure of work; getting tired of it all. At other times it’s the thought of having been in this job for too long. What has kept me going was? Reminding myself that I am here to give a service and the presence of the people around me. We are very much like a family. When I went through difficult times in my personal life, I found a lot of support here.”

A family-like work environment

Rose-Anne describes how a happy workplace does not come automatically. “The family-like community is not something that can be taken for granted. We work for it continuously. We all have different characters and backgrounds. Moreover, when we come to the office we all bring our baggage.  However, we try to help one another, keeping a lively environment as much as possible with that occasional joke, while being of support to one another in times of need.  At times, even sending a message to a colleague who has been sick, to check upon him/her, makes a difference. In the Finance Team, we do have this caring attitude between us. I believe that despite the fact that certain circumstances, such as COVID, have created a situation where we do not meet on a daily basis, we still keep in touch. This has in no way had any significant impact on the team.”

She continued to say that these kinds of relationships are also present with her superiors: “This family-like environment is present even with our superiors, although perhaps on a slightly more formal level.  Our superiors are very approachable and understanding. Staff has the opportunity to voice their opinions even when they do not agree with a decision.  Many times you realise that such disagreement would be due to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Once this is cleared, any possibility of creating bad blood would be eliminated, thus further strengthening the team.”

Meeting the people she serves

Rose-Anne was impressed when she visited the shelter for domestic violence which she works for, for the first time. “It was so different from listening to a story on TV, or hearing statistics on the news. I met a woman with a baby. She wasn’t very different from me. I said to myself, ‘this could easily be me’. I became more grateful for my family and also experienced an increase in my drive to work, as I understood better that I am working for these people.”

Faith as another asset

Rose-Anne describes how her faith is another pillar in her work. “My faith sustains my work especially in front of what sometimes seems like an impossible project to accomplish because of lack of funds. I remember a particular instance when a much needed project in a children’s home, was going to cost €70,000 but we lacked the necessary finances; the funds available were already committed to other priority projects. As I was thinking about what I was going to do, I received a call that we had just received an unexpected inheritance with the exact amount we needed. It was immediately earmarked for this project. This is only one of many moments where I encountered providence.”

Like many of us, Rose-Anne is very busy with her full-time job and family life. Yet, she stills finds the time to nourish her faith: “I try to find some time for prayer every day.  Moreover, when I find myself in difficult moments, I look back and think about the difficult experiences I have been through. Were it not for God’s help I do not know what would have become of me.  These things give me the courage and strength to continue believing, trusting in Him and doing my work.”

finance career experience

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– The Poor Boy Who Became a Successful Entrepreneur and a Happy Husband

The post A Finance Career Experience in the Non-Profit Sector appeared first on Universe of Faith.

By the end of the film I was sure of two things:

i) I wanted to verify whether all this was real.

ii) If it were real, I did not want to be part of it.

As I finished watching the film,  I immediately opened my laptop and visited the Facebook page of the Ocean Ambassador for Malta, Prof. Alan Deidun. He had watched the film too! In a Facebook post, he writes that this film is a “must see”. So I emailed him my questions and did not consume any fish until he replied.

Here is what he told me:

How true is the documentary Seaspiracy?

Prof. Alan Deidun: “The documentary Seaspiracy is factual and credible given that (i) the producer went to great lengths to give the ‘other side’ of the story as well, rather than only peddling his own narrative. (ii) Moreover, the producer consulted with a number of eminent experts in their field, including Dr Sylvia Earle and Prof. Callum Roberts. They are two of the most respected oceanographers and conservation biologists on the global stage.”

Is it true that we do not have models of sustainable fishing at the moment?

Prof. Alan Deidun: “Seaspiracy’s claim that we do not have any examples of sustainable fishing at the moment is true if one looks only at the models of industrial fishing. Such models have a high degree of wastefulness in terms of bycatch which is discarded and thrown into the sea, and over-exploitation of stocks. Within such models, the meaning of the term ‘sustainability’ has been twisted so as to represent only an economically-viable process. This process can be performed year after year for maximum monetary benefits, with little consideration to the environmental impact.”

Can fishing be sustainable?

Prof. Alan Deidun: “Fishing can be sustainable if it is performed at the local level, on an artisanal basis. The documentary Seaspiracy underscores this fact by featuring the difficulties of native western African fishermen.

In Malta, 93% of the Maltese fishermen work on small-scale, artisanal ones, operating from boats which are smaller than 12m in length. This restricts their time out at sea, ensuring that they do not catch much more than they can realistically sell in a few days. That should be the real meaning of sustainability – taking just what is necessary today, rather than hoarding fish so that my competitor does not gain access to it.”

Is it true that dolphin friendly/safe labels are unreliable?

Prof. Alan Deidun: “Regarding the credibility of the dolphin friendly/safe labels: We obviously do not have the investigative means to substantiate such a claim. The onus is now on the certification entity, issuing such a label, to refute the claims made in the documentary. However, what we know as a fact from the scientific literature available, is that at least hundreds of thousands of dolphins of different species fall victim to industrial fisheries each year. Unfortunately, this statistic does not show any sign of levelling off.”

Is the environmental impact of fishing as huge as described in Seaspiracy – bigger than the plastic problem?

Prof. Alan Deidun: “Although I have and still am a vociferous advocate for a ban on single-use plastics, I believe that the ecological impacts being exacted by the over-fishing of our ocean are in fact being downplayed. I think that they are not receiving the immediate attention they deserve. Once again, I stress that I am referring mainly to industrial fishing. It generates exorbitant levels of bycatch. Moreover, the ecological impacts of trawling, which are releasing carbon and pollutants stored in seabed sediments, are contributing to climate change. These changes are also visible from space.

Despite its vastness, there are very few spots within the global ocean which have never taken the toll of bottom trawling. Most of these pristine sites are located close to the poles. The single statistic featured within the documentary which most impressed me concerning fishing subsidies. An estimated 350 billion dollars are being thrown into the fishing industry each year, in the form of subsidies, presumably to keep fish prices low.  This figure outstrips the total needed to fight global hunger (300 billion dollars) as estimated by the United Nations. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14 calls for an end to such harmful fishing subsidies.”

What are the solutions? Should one stop eating fish?

Prof. Alan Deidun:  “Giving up the consumption of fish is, in my humble opinion, not a viable option given that (i) eating fish is generally healthy (despite it being occasionally laced with contaminants, as claimed in the documentary) and that (ii) a considerable fraction of the world’s population depends on fish as its primary source of protein. You do not simply change the mindset or behaviour of billions of people overnight.

What we can feasibly aspire to achieve, however, is to have consumers opt to go for local catch. One can find fish markets and hawkers almost everywhere, including in cities away from the sea. In Malta, given the small-scale nature of Maltese fisheries, this is possible by taking the pain to verify the origins of the fish one is buying. One ironclad way of verifying this is by buying your fish directly at a fish market or from a local fish hawker, and in season (e.g. purchasing lampuki (dorado fish) during the summer and autumn seasons), rather than from a supermarket.  Even the UN’s SDG 14 advocates the need to support small-scale fisheries on a global scale.”

Now I felt clearer about what I could do as a consumer.

Fishing in On Care for Our Common Home

Until I received the Professor’s replies I had googled again On Care for Our Common Home. There are seven mentions of fishing in this letter. Two notable statements Pope Francis makes are in:

Par 48 when Pope Francis outlines the dwindling amounts of fish in our seas: “the depletion of fishing reserves especially hurts small fishing communities without the means to replace those resources.”

Par 40 when Pope Francis brings up the issues of uncontrolled fishing and bycatch: “What is more, marine life in rivers, lakes, seas and oceans, which feeds a great part of the world’s population, is affected by uncontrolled fishing, leading to a drastic depletion of certain species. Selective forms of fishing which discard much of what they collect continue unabated. Particularly threatened are marine organisms which we tend to overlook, like some forms of plankton; they represent a significant element in the ocean food chain, and species used for our food ultimately depend on them.”

Seaspiracy: A great eye opener

Seaspiracy was a great eye opener for me, both on the issues of uncontrolled fishing, bycatch, death of sea animals due to plastics and abandoned fishing gear, and sea floor destruction. It also alerted me to the other heart-breaking issue of slave labour engaged to catch shrimps in some Asian countries. I appreciate the fact that the director Ali Tahrizi and his team went to great lengths to produce the exceptional footage seen in this film, possibly risking his life at times.

Today, I feel more empowered as a consumer because I do not want to be part of this destruction.  For me, this means no more canned tuna in my Maltese ftira (a flat bread), no more salmon, and shrimps. Opting for local catch (not farmed or caught through industrial fishing) can be more sea-friendly. I’m also trying flaxseed oil to replace the omega 3s etc and look forward to exploring eating sea plants when the opportunity arises.

Read more:
– 4 Maltese Professional Read Laudato Si
– My Covid-19 Experience Poem

The post My Experience of Watching “Seaspiracy” – Should I Stop Eating Fish? appeared first on Universe of Faith.

“I had been taking a lot of precautions, such as shopping online, not visiting family members who do not live in my household and not attending Sunday mass, to avoid getting infected. In fact, our only family outing was going to the countryside with our car.” says Katriona.

After being a full-time mother for a number of years, in October 2020 Katriona found a job as a supervisor, in a Primary school. Her job was to supervise the students who were watching their teacher delivering the lesson on a screen. “In late November 2020, only one month after I had started on the new job, I tested positive for COVID-19. My husband had also tested positive a few days before. My first symptoms were a tightness around my ankles, and a loss of taste and smell. It came as a surprise. There was also a sense of disappointment for having failed despite all the precautions I had taken.” she explains.

The implications of contracting Covid-19

Katriona says, “Contracting COVID-19 meant that I had to spend 14 days doing everything in the same room; sleeping, eating, washing. On some days I used to sleep a lot as I felt tired all the time. When I started recovering, I used to watch movies or TV, read books and listen to mass. Contracting the COVID-19 virus was a strain both physically and psychologically. I felt that I had failed. It was also very stressful on my body. Today, I still do not feel that I have completely healed, even though it has been three months since I recovered. When I go up one flight of stairs I feel out of breath and start feeling pressure on my chest. Before I contracted the virus, I used to walk for an hour a day. I still do not have the strength to do that today.”

Katriona explains how this experience also took its toll on her husband, her daughter and her son. “My children did not contract the virus but they missed almost a month from physically attending school. They tried their best to follow lessons online. During quarantine, they also learnt to do things on their own or with the help of my husband, like cooking and washing clothes. Most of all they were very worried about me. They used to call me and come to talk to me from behind the door. They also brought me all that I needed. However, despite the bleakness, this COVID-19 experience strengthened our bond as a family.”

Katriona added that she also had a lot of help and prayers from family members and friends. “I used to receive messages and calls everyday from people offering to help us. Some friends who were not so close became closer because of our exchanges during my illness.”

An appeal for vigilance

“My appeal is to remain attentive. After a year into this pandemic, you still find people who are not wearing their masks properly. There are still people who do not keep enough distance in a queue, or gather in small groups near certain shops. Contracting COVID-19 is no joke. We need to keep wearing our masks and washing our hands. This virus can be a matter of life and death for some people.”

Covid-19 experience

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– Let Us Be Surprised by Hope During Covid-19
– Corona Virus Poem – Feeling Proud

The post “Mother of Two Says Covid-19 Experience Was a Trauma, but Brought Family Closer” appeared first on Universe of Faith.

Rosita Farrugia is the fourth child of five siblings. She was raised in Valletta, Malta in a practising Catholic family. Rosita reminisces about her mother helping others outside the family. “I had the example of my mother who used to offer her help to wash clothes which were to be distributed to the poor. She also organised courses in sewing, cookery and flower arrangements to help other mothers lead a sustainable life.”

In her teenage years, Rosita was neither attracted to married life nor to religious life as a nun, “I never imagined becoming a nun, neither did I feel attracted to marriage. However, my heart was always loving and caring for the needs of others.”

The beginning of her nursing experience – Nigeria

When she was 18, Rosita started her nursing training. “During my nursing course in Italy we were a group of students of different nationalities. We supported each other very strongly. I became open to different cultures. Some came from Spain, India, England and Africa. Then, when I was 29 the Bishop asked for nurses and youths to develop a project in Thelemu, Nigeria. It was a difficult decision to leave my family and country. Every time I said goodbye to my parents I could not sleep that night. However, I felt stronger when I abandoned myself in the hands of God. I felt protected and stronger in my weaknesses.” Yet when Rosita landed in Abuja, Nigeria she felt shocked: “When I realised I was the only white person, I wanted to return home. Looking back I must say it was the most beautiful culture that influenced my life deeply.”

Rosita set up a clinic there and also worked in a hospital run by nuns. “On one occasion I assisted a pregnant woman who needed the drip continuously. I spent all night holding up a broom, which had the drip bottle attached to it. That night I prayed to the Virgin Mary for help, since that day was in memory of Our Lady. On another day a child who was found in a pit, was saved by quick medical intervention. The sisters named him Sunday because he was found on Sunday morning.”

“On another occasion, I needed money to travel back home. I was so struck by a person who had no arms or legs but was sensitive enough to ask me if I needed any help. He told me that I could open his pocket and take his money. It was enough for me to travel back home. I can never forget the smile on his face. Nigeria was a place of extraordinary kindness and welcome.”

Back to her homeland – Malta

Back in Malta Rosita worked in a home in Siggiewi for persons with physical and mental disabilities. “These people made me feel free of all the distractions of the outside world. I also worked at an old people’s home and was the secretary for the Voluntary Lay Missionaries.” As I listened to Rosita’s story, I could sense the genuine compassion she has for others.

A mission in Kenya

When she was 35 years old, Rosita was asked to go on another mission, this time in Kenya. “Kenya was a place where I had many beautiful experiences. We had a transit stop in Ethiopia. Those taking care of us took us to a hotel to spend the night there. My curiosity got the best of me and I went outside to see the surroundings. I wasn’t looking where I was walking and I put my foot in a pit of mud. A boy came immediately with a jar of water and a basin to wash my feet. I never expected such a good deed from a little child.”

An experience of providence and light in the darkness

In Kenya, Rosita helped by checking the weight of mothers and children to see that they were growing healthily, and she attended to their needs. She also participated in a food programme. “There was a harsh drought and food was scarce. One day we had just prayed that we would receive food on time. A short time after we prayed, a big lorry entered the compound and unloaded sacks of rice and other provisions for poor people. There were no plates, so we served food on anything which could serve as a plate. I felt that our cry was heard and this was ‘providence’.”

Rosita recalls another moving episode. “I also remember a person who could not move at all except for holding a stick in her hand to keep away the flies that disturbed her. She drank only milk from a goat by her side. At times she slept without food because there was no one to milk the goat. The suffering of these people made me love them even more. Their darkness became light for me, and their harsh skin made my heart soft. Their bare feet made my feet run faster to go round their village, and their culture opened me to serve all humanity.”

Back to Malta

Rosita came back to Malta from Kenya because her mother was very sick. When her mother passed away she started working at a local hospital and lived with her father who was very depressed while grieving the loss of his wife. He too passed away a few months later.

Other experiences

Rosita had many other experiences. She worked as a volunteer in Romania. She also collected linen and clothes with her friends to send them to those living in war-stricken Kosovo and eventually accompanied the containers to Albania. “After my parents’ death, early mass helped me to live my normal life once again. The many blessings which I had received from my parents, also helped me to continue serving with a great loving heart. As I grew, my faith became stronger.”

Rosita then met the Lourdes group. “They invited me to render service to the sick at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. By saying yes like Mary, through this nursing experience I learned to trust more in God, and to stand up and take my cross every day.” After Lourdes, Rosita spent some time in Florence working with children with disabilities at the Cottolengo House of Providence .

The end of Rosita’s nursing career

Up until the end of her nursing career, Rosita was always open to new experiences. “Towards the end of my nursing profession, I encountered some prisoners and prostitutes. I offered to do voluntary work to help them adjust to a new social life. In this experience, I learnt not to judge them about their misdoings and to respect their personalities. These persons had kind hearts. They had good children but could not afford to buy them food. Some of these persons were desperately homeless. Many were incapable of moving out of the vicious circle of drugs. I asked myself. ‘Why did these things happen to them and not to me?!’ Only God knows the answer. The only thing that I had to do was to love at all times.” Today Rosita is still a member of the Voluntary Lay Missionaries in Malta.

Rosita’s appeal to those interested in nursing

Rosita has this message for nursing students and those considering a nursing career: “One has to be ready to put oneself in the shoes of others with compassion and courage, and to love until it hurts. My appeal is to smile because a smile can help overcome many sufferings. Moreover, never give up while serving a person in need, and seek to love with compassion and mercy. Today, during this Covid-19 pandemic, we can challenge the world with our actions of unconditional love; we can be of comfort to all those we meet. God only wants our little effort in all we do, with boundless generosity.”

This article came to fruition after Rosita decided to write her life story during the winter lockdown of COVID -19. Send us your story on hello@universeoffaith.org

Nursing experience, serving others

Read more:
– Top Pope Francis’ Leadership Quotes
– Cancer Experience – When Cancer Hits Your Brother

The post A Heart for Others – The Nursing Experience of Rosita appeared first on Universe of Faith.

As a young boy, Anthony used to put a pillow on the roof and look at the Milky Way with his naked eye. One day he didn’t see it anymore. A new airport was built a few kilometres away from his home and there was too much light pollution for him to be able to see the galaxy. Since his childhood days, Anthony’s interest in astronomy kept growing. Today, he mostly enjoys looking at the planets, observing their different colours and their positions. He is also fascinated by the moon with its craters and its shadows.

What is the universe made up of?

The “universe” refers to everything that there is in space – our Earth, all the other planets, the stars and all that exists in outer space. “The universe consists of three main components, most of which are still unknown to us. We can see and know about only 5% of the universe; the planets, the moon, the sun, and the galaxies which are made of stars. 25% of the universe is dark matter. Dark matter cannot be seen directly because it does not emit light. We know that dark matter exists because of the gravitational effects it has on visible objects. There is the hypothesis that dark matter is made up of weakly interactive massive particles (WIMP), which still need to be identified. The rest is dark energy, which makes up 70% of the universe. Dark energy helps the universe to expand. It is not seen directly or indirectly.”

It was a Catholic priest, the Belgian scientist Fr Georges Lemaître, who came up with the Big Bang theory. “An explosion of great heat created new atoms. This happened 13.8 billion years ago. The first stars were formed 200 million years from the Big Bang”, explains Anthony

What is astronomy?

“The word ‘astronomy’ which is derived from the Greek language, is the study of those elements which are in the universe, outside the Earth’s atmosphere. It includes the planets, the stars, the moon, comets, galaxies, dark energy and dark matter. Practically astronomy is the study of all that one can see from the Earth. Astronomy is the science which studies what these objects are made of and how they evolve. It is the frontal lobe of science and one of the oldest sciences. Astronomy is the place where you interpret and confirm mathematical and scientific ideas”, says Anthony.

Anthony explains that there are two main sections in the study of astronomy. “First, there is astrometry. This involves the measuring of positions and movements of spatial objects. This section of astronomy also studies how much, and what type of light these objects emit. The type of light measured – white or yellow – also indicates the temperature of that particular object. Astrometry is about applied maths. The second section is astrophysics. Astrophysics investigates the physical and chemical substances of these objects. It investigates what makes up the stars.”

Different astronomers specialise in different areas of study. Some astronomers observe the planets. Others observe the stars, the moon, the sun, the galaxies, the cosmos, and the beginning of the universe. Some astronomers work on the theoretical aspects of astronomy. They use specialised computers to create models to develop theories on how certain systems which exist today, will eventually develop in the future. Meanwhile, other astronomers are interested in astrophotography. They take photos of spatial objects and new objects which they see.

The difference between astronomy and astrology

Anthony explains that one should not confuse astronomy with astrology. “Humans have always observed the stars. They tried to organise, classify and understand their significance in their life. Ancient civilisations divinised these stars. They organised them in constellations – patterns of stars – which can be observed throughout the year. There is nothing scientific in the descriptions we see in certain magazines about the positions of various constellations like Pisces, Aries, Libra. Astrology is not science.

What is the purpose of astronomy?

In the past, astronomy helped people find their way by observing the position of the stars. “Man has used the stars for navigation for many years. For example, the North Star guides sailors when navigating at sea”, explains Anthony. Astronomy also helped farmers understand time before calendars were created. In the past, the farmers observed the sky to understand the seasons for planting.

Today, astronomy helps us learn more about Earth by understanding what is happening outside our world. “For example, the planet Venus has a temperature of 468 degrees Celsius because of its greenhouse gases. There is nothing romantic on Venus! These high temperatures can even melt lead. Thus, as we scientifically investigate Venus, we learn about the effects of global warming on Earth.” says Anthony.

Astronomy also helps us to find out the age of the Earth and try to understand the mysteries of the universe. “Man has always been asking certain questions: How long will Earth last? Where did the universe come from? If the universe had a beginning, what was there before it? What is outside the universe? Where are we from? What is the future of the Earth and the universe? Where will we end up? Where are we going? What is our destiny?”

Discoveries made in astronomy applied in daily life

Anthony illustrates the purpose and the fruit of astronomy in our daily life.  Astronomy was vital in creating the MRI scanner, PET scans, and the GPS which gives the exact position through satellites. Other daily uses from applying what was discovered in astronomy include the microwave oven, which was developed during experiments performed at the ISS (International Space Station), solar photovoltaic panels, X-rays for baggage checks and gas chromatography to scan for bombs and drugs in airports. Artificial limbs are another invention which was originally created for space exploration. This technological innovation was originally designed for space vehicles. Another example is the scratch-resistant lenses that were originally developed for NASA’s scratch resistant astronaut helmets. Moreover, the Goddard Space Flight Centre created systems to monitor astronaut’s vital systems, which were then adapted in an insulin pump that regulates blood sugar levels and release of insulin.  

Do countries work together in the field of astronomy?

Astronomy is a science that unites and brings scientists and countries together. Anthony explains that many nations are proud of these technological achievements. “There is a lot of competition between different countries to use the technology developed in the field of astronomy. Countries spend considerable amounts of money in this field, even where there is great poverty. Moreover, this passion for scientific research has brought many countries together. Countries work together in this field even if they do not agree on other matters. Such an example is found in France where an extensive research project involving different countries, is trying to produce energy similar to that of the sun. Europe, America and China are all involved in this project.”

Astronomy and the Catholic Church

The Church has had an interest in astronomy for a long time. During the Medieval period, in the European Universities run by the Church, mathematics and astronomy were always part of the curriculum. In 1891 Pope Leo 13^th created the Vatican Observatory as a sign of the Catholic Church’s interest in this science. Today, the Vatican Observatory headquarters of the Catholic Church is located at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome. There is also an associated research centre at the University of Arizona, in the United States.

The Jesuits have always and are still running both locations. At the time of Pope Leo 13^th, the Church wanted to tell scientists, ‘Do not be afraid of religion’. Today it is the other way round. Nowadays we need to tell believers: ‘Do not be afraid of science’. It is unhealthy to create a taboo around science. Science does not lead us away from our faith. On the contrary, science can help us discover many things which ultimately God has created,” says Anthony.

Anthony does not see any conflict between science and faith. “It is very clear in my mind; astronomy and faith are two sides of the same coin. When I see something in the universe which fascinates me, I see more so God’s greatness in his creation. Pope John 23^rd said that astronomy is like a small bridge between the world of science and the Church. Over the years, the Church has had many famous astronomers who were priests.”

Galileo and the Catholic Church

I asked Anthony on his view on the episode of Galileo Galilei and the Catholic Church. He said, “The episode of Galileo Galilei has to be read in its historical context. One also has to consider the people involved in the episode at the time. Yes, the Church took the wrong approach with Galileo. That is why, in 1992,  Pope John Paul 2^nd issued an apology with a formal statement through the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The Church wants to walk in the truth. By recognising the mistakes of that time, she is also recognising the truth and wanting to move forward. This is an important step. How many people and institutions are ready to admit their wrongdoings because they want to walk in truth and move forward? The Catholic Church did”, replies Anthony.

The connection between faith and astronomy

Anthony remarks that when he looks at the skies in the evening he becomes more aware of the beauty and the mystery of the skies. He says that this observation is also part of his faith: “I build my personal faith on that of the apostles. The apostles saw Jesus. They lived with him, they saw him die on the Cross and rise from death after three days. I am amazed at the idea of God’s decision to become matter;  to become one of us. Moreover, he died and rose again. Jesus’ incarnation into a man of flesh and blood, is a concrete way of how we can see God. When I look at the skies, it makes me want to say how great God is and how small I am. It helps me realise God’s greatness.”

Anthony describes the following as an example. In May 2019, laser detectors in Italy and the USA absorbed light that made astronomers realise that there was an explosion between two black holes which created a shock wave. This happened 7 million years ago, however, it was only last year that we detected its shock wave. Other examples include the following facts. The Earth was formed around 4.5 billion years ago. Additionally, there are approximately 200 million galaxies in the universe and 100 billion different solar systems. Moreover, our galaxy the Milky Way, has a diameter of around 180,000 light years (one light year is equivalent to 9.5 trillion km).

God’s Greatness in the universe and our smallness

“When I consider these limitless dimensions of time and all the great distances, I become more aware of my human smallness”, says Anthony. “I then ask myself… How great and how old is God’s love when compared to the oldest star? How great and wide is God’s love compared to the width of the universe? We might be unfamiliar with these concepts because we relate to our own height and weight. We know a world of dimensions. However, when I see these realities in the universe they become a sign of God’s veiled presence; God, who is without dimensions. I’m not surprised that St Ignatius used to feel great consolation when looking at the sky!”

Anthony also comments on the order which we find on Earth. This is in great contrast with what we find outside our solar system. “Earth is a very particular place and so is its position in the solar system. One of its particularities is that only on Earth do we find tectonic plates which cause earthquakes. These plates create energy and give life. Furthermore, if the Earth were closer to the Sun it would be too hot, like Venus. Conversely, if it was a bit farther it would be too cold, like Mars.”

“In our solar system there is a sense of order and harmony, like the seasons. Once you go outside our solar system, you only find chaos. So far, Earth is the only place where there is life as we know it. A lot of research is being carried out to find whether there are other planets that can sustain life. I cannot ignore the possibility that there is life elsewhere in the universe. Who am I to put God in a box?”

Read more:
– Famous Catholic Astronomers
– Top Popes’ Quotes About Science

The post Astronomy and Faith appeared first on Universe of Faith.

Words below from Google Trends:

Fun…

how to cut your hair was searched at an all-time high.

Kids made “productive” use of their time at home this year, as pranks on parents reached an all-time high.

Thankful…

Global searches for how to thank also hit an all-time high, with teachers, bus drivers, nurses, and doctors topping our lists. This year, we focused on helping others more than we focused on ourselves – how to donate was searched 2x more than how to save money.

Surprising…

Shelter-in-place routine got you a bit disoriented? You’re not the only one. what day is it hit an all-time high in April 2020.

Uplifting

The world also searched for how to help more than ever. Top trending how to help were: how to help australia fires, how to help Black Lives Matter, how to help during coronavirus, how to help beirut.

This year how to be an ally was searched more than how to be an influencer.

Inspiring…

We looked for a better future more than we wished to return to the past. how to change the world was searched twice as much as how to go back to normal.

Restless…

Trouble sleeping? You weren’t alone. insomnia was searched more in 2020 than ever before.

Beneficial…

This year, we grew our collective awareness as global searches for invisible disability doubled.  (An invisible disability refers to a condition that isn’t apparent from the outside, but affects a person physically, mentally, or neurologically like epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, and psychiatric conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.)

And … In 2020, worldwide searches for support small business doubled compared to the previous year.

Learning…

how to learn coding was the top trending thing people searched to learn. python was the top searched programming language.

Thought provoking…

World events gave us pause, and we did some soul-searching. In June 2020, how to be anti-racist was searched more than how to be a millionaire.

And in June 2020, what is systemic racism reached an all-time high, as more people questioned the institutions, government processes and economic systems that perpetuate racial injustice.

Healthy…

Comfort foods may have gotten us through March, but…how to start a vegetable garden was searched twice as much in 2020 than 2019.

Calming…

Remember to breathe. meditation was searched worldwide.

Close to home…

Search interest in sunset near me reached an all-time high in 2020. A moment to be serene amidst the routine.

Keywords 2020

Read more:

– New Year Christian Message on Newness and Hope
– Finding Time for God

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January Donovan’s vision for women

During my interview with January, I could easily sense that she does not only look good but she also feels good about herself. Moreover, she also has a passion to see other women feeling good as well.

The Women’s Arena Quiz

January has been training women for over 20 years. Then in 2019 “The Woman School” came into existence with the foundational program being The ABW Masterclass. The school caters for two main audiences: single women and mothers. During these years, January has trained thousands of women, one woman at a time, to become what she calls “whole”. This concept of wholeness, or rather living an integrated life, is central to January’s vision of womanhood. In her Women’s Arena Quiz, you can get a score and a description of how “whole” you are in the areas of self-image, health, family, environment, contribution, friendship, intimacy and wealth.

The Concept of “Wholeness”

January believes that today’s woman faces a lot of demands. She believes that generosity is the fulfillment of a woman, but she also believes that a woman cannot give from a place of tiredness. “As women, we are designed to nurture life. Where we fail, as a society, is to train women to receive. What can we give if we are empty? Our generosity becomes unsustainable and inconsistent, and instead of giving from a place of wholeness we give from a place of depletion. We are meant to be a reservoir for society; to quench its thirst. But if we are thirsty ourselves we cannot give from what we do not possess. In order to become a reservoir we first need to fill our cups,” she says.

For the women who are also mothers, January believes that “Motherhood should be a place of dreams and fulfillment not a place of depletion and resentment. To be honest, my transition to motherhood was seamless. It was seamless not because I had a special power or because there was something unique about me. I just had training. I could understand the difference that training had made for me when I saw that other mothers’ lives were chaotic and mine was peaceful. It was simply because someone had guided me in the basic human skills that led to spiritual receptivity and growth.” January is currently leading a training on postpartum depression.

The need for training

January states that we are called to live a life of peace, joy and freedom. However, she believes that a woman’s body, mind, spirit and soul need to be trained. “Sometimes we don’t wake up in the morning ready to receive the gifts that God wants to give us through training. It’s the same as going to the Olympics.  If I don’t train regularly, or only when I feel like, I would have a lesser chance of winning that gold medal. I think we are void of formation.”

She continued: “The same goes for sanctity. I need to show up everyday and train my body, my mind, spirit, soul and every part of my life in an integrated way so that I might become the saint that God wants me to be. Sanctity is a call that is within us all, but it requires work. God has designed a life of peace, joy and freedom for all, but he doesn’t push it down our throat. He just invites us to deepen our strength. ‘The Woman School’ is like a boot camp where women could learn deep formation. We form ourselves humanly to prepare ourselves for spiritual receptivity. We can’t push sanctity without forming the human person and forget or ignore our animalistic state. There’s a hierarchy of formation that is necessary. Moreover, you can’t see the other person’s value if you don’t recognise your own.”

January describes herself as being still a student in her own work. “Since ‘The Woman School’ started I always created the mental space to continue to grow in my call, even though there were seasons in my life where I was very busy. Of course there were times when I had to pause, like when I had a new baby or four kids under the age of 4. Today I still study, learn skills, time myself in the kitchen, create a routine and a rhythm of life, protect my mind, and study my emotions and where thoughts come from. I do this with intention, knowing that there is so much to learn, unlearn and relearn. I just train without giving myself excuses.”

“My work is an extended part of my vocation,” says January. “There is integration between my work and my family; not work-life balance. There is a big difference between the two. Balance is about constantly juggling. Integration is about trying to unite both because of the purpose behind it.”

So, what kind of women is ‘The Woman School’ for? “The Woman School’ is open for any woman who is willing to grow, and humble enough to say ‘I haven’t arrived’,” says January.

Who is January Donovan?

January Donovan was born in the Philippines. She grew up and spent the first 11 years of her life there. “When I was 7 years old, my parents left for America in search of a better life. They stayed there for 5 years without coming back to the Philippines, since it was the only way that they could get a visa. During those years I lived with my uncle and my aunt.”

“I had a rich childhood, a good education and a great family but at the same time there was a lot of hardship from not seeing my parents. This left me with a sense of abandonment and loneliness which drew me more intimately to God,” says January. “As a little girl I used to talk to God and cry out to him. I also saw poverty around me even though we lived a comfortable life. This island was also a place where I experienced richness of life because we laughed a lot, we ate a lot and we celebrated a lot.”

When January went to America she felt a sense of gratitude for the new things she had but she realised that she didn’t have a proper formation.  She didn’t really know what it was to be a woman. “My mother was not there while I was growing up, so I didn’t know how I should behave as a woman. There was a sense of confusion in my childhood about what was really right, true and beautiful in life.”

A Turbulent Teenage

At 16 years of age January went through a very difficult moment which left her very sad. During this time she had 2 unplanned pregnancies which ended in abortion. “It was a difficult season in my life but it was also the beginning of my journey and a call to rebuild myself as a woman.  Like many teenagers I ended up with a boyfriend. All of my friends were drinking and getting into trouble. I remember saying to myself ‘I don’t want to be like that, I want more. I want richness of life.’ I felt without direction, trying to figure things out on my own.”

The start of her College years were the lowest time of her life. “I felt depressed, lost and wanting meaning. I remember looking at other women who were confident and strong, wishing I was them and saying to myself ‘I could never be that woman’.” Three weeks into College, January met a mentor who asked her: ‘What kind of woman do you want to be? Let’s design who you want to be for the world.’ The mentor gave January homework from one session to the next, month after month for three and a half years.

Her first homework included making her bed every morning, spending time in adoration and getting rid of comparisons and competition with other women. “These months were a gift for me,” describes January. She started to experience a real change. “My wounds became my compass. I reflected on my own wounds and challenges. And I always prayed, even though I didn’t know God intimately.”

After ten years of not dating anyone, January eventually met Ryan, her husband, with whom she has 8 children. But how does she manage to give good quality service in both her family and her work? “This requires a lot of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual training. My mentor helped me learn to manage my mind, draw boundaries and manage my emotions,” she concludes.

The way forward

January hopes that she will continue to expand on her school which is also a business. She dreams of having 10,000 formators (trainers) in the thirteen different countries in which the Woman School operates so far: America, the Philippines, Canada, England, Malta, Ireland, Australia, Singapore, Uganda, Mexico, Columbia, India, Guatemala.

Review from Mariella Catania (Malta)

I happened to listen to January and her husband Ryan, speak at an online conference, and there January mentioned ‘The Woman School’. I filled in the ‘arena’ questionnaire and its answers were very interesting. At the same time, I was realising that in life I had some goals that I wanted to achieve but I just did not have the necessary skills.

Skills do not come on their own, we need to acquire them. January has recognised this truth and has thus designed a course to help women acquire the necessary skills to fulfill their goals and dreams. This course, ‘About being a woman’, is comprised of different modules. Each module deals with different areas that are part of a woman’s life. The modules are very interesting and practical.

One of the best things about this course is that its aim is not only for the benefit of the women following it, but it will also benefit many people who will be in contact with this woman, and who can partake in her light and wholeness.

Review from Elizabeth Russell (America)

Besides gaining confidence in areas that I never thought that I would, I am feeling much healthier physically and spiritually. I’m losing weight and spending more time outside without getting migranes. That is so new! I’m living life as a dream come true. I have met women I didn’t knew existed before. They try to follow Christ, they are faithful, beautiful, they are shining. My self-image has improved. I realised that when I let God work into my life I live beauty. This course helps women get the skills that they need in a short time (6 months). I thought it will take me a lifetime to learn them all.

Read more:
– Brilliant Message by Fernando Pessoa not Pope Francis
– Catholic Prayers For Strength

The post The Woman School and the Story of January Donovan appeared first on Universe of Faith.

Solidarity meals 

One of the main initiatives taken by the Church in Malta during the COVID-19 pandemic is the provision of a meal a day to those who are most in need. Persons receiving these meals include the elderly, the homeless, persons with mental health issues, and families having a family member with a disability.  These persons are facing added pressures.

Albert Debono, head of Diakonia Unit within CARITAS Malta explains that, during the peak of COVID-19 infections, up to 850  meals were distributed every day. Currently CARITAS is serving 70 meals every day.  The Archbishop’s Curia asked the parish priests to identify the households and families who were in need in their parishes.

Food hampers

Persons who were facing serious financial difficulties, but who were still capable of preparing their own food, received food hampers. This was another initiative co-ordinated by CARITAS Malta and the Malta Trust Foundation. Virtù Ferries also participated in this initiative by donating a 40ft trailer of essential food items to CARITAS Malta for distribution to those in need.

Donations

Fr Andrea Zaffarese, the Archbishop’s Delegate for Work and Life in Parishes confirms that a number of parish priests also donated money from parish funds to help people in need. These donations were given to those who lost their job during the pandemic. Persons working on a reduced wage also benefited from these donations.

Retreat houses as alternative accommodation

Another initiative taken by the Church and several religious orders was to provide care to frontliners and their families. Retreat houses and similar facilities were converted into safe and comfortable accommodation for workers who could not live in their homes because of work.

Phone calls to parishioners

Fr Andrea also reports how almost half of the parish priests in Malta made regular phone calls to their parishioners.  Volunteers and vulnerable people, who were already in contact with the parish, also received moral support. For many people, these months were an opportunity to re-evaluate relationships, and to become more compassionate towards others.  Indeed, this time may have made us aware that people without family or friends, the seriously ill and the very poor, have faced similar hardships long before the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Spiritual services

On an individual level, priests still offered Confession and Holy Communion to those who asked. Other persons referred to spiritual direction services and pastoral counselling because they experienced increased pressures in relationships and families. These services were offered by priests and by the counselling services run by CARITAS. Due to the restrictions, some priests and counselors shifted to online platforms to offer pastoral accompaniment.  Moerover, the Franciscan Capuchin friars offered their services to the hospitalised patients at Mater Dei hospital.

Online Holy Mass and Rosary

Holy mass and the Rosary were and are still being streamed online from the Archbishop’s Curia. They are transmitted on a daily basis, on the national TV station TVM2. Head of Media for the Archbishop’s Curia, Kevin Papagiorcopulo stated that hundreds follow this mass online, while thousands follow it on TV.

Domestic liturgy

The restrictions regarding the presence of the general public in the churches led to new opportunities of prayer and the celebration of liturgy within the homes. These included online lectio divina, the liturgy of the hours, and resources for families to pray with their children. On a diocesan level, the website Bekids.mt offered resources for Sunday readings, videos about lives of the saints, a Prayer Corner, and the quizzes: ‘Know Your Faith’. In addition to these,  a number of parishes took other initiatives to provide the necessary preparations for the conferment of the sacraments of Confirmation and the First Holy Communion.

Moreover, many Catholics decided to contribute and reach out to others on their own initiative. These people are also acting as ‘Church’ even if they are not officially acting on behalf of the Church says Fr Andrea.

What can be improved 

Much is being done.  Yet there is always room for improvement.  Fr Andrea explains that, unfortunately, services given by the Church are still not accessible enough to the people. Some people do not know about some of these services. This is especially true with persons who are not connected to any social platform of the Church.

Many parishes made a good effort to keep contact online for catechism classes and youth meetings. Yet, some parishes did not manage to offer such an alternative to children and adolescents; not even to those who were preparing to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the First Holy Communion. Some parishes found it difficult to adapt when the old pattern was not working.

The restrictions imposed on funerals was another issue to reconsider. Many relatives of the deceased were hurt and disappointed because they could not have a proper funeral for their loved ones. In retrospect, there was no need to close the Churches completely had the necessary precautions been taken. So, according to Fr Andrea, this was an unnecessary pain in an already difficult circumstance.

Which is the way forward?

Fr Andrea Zaffarese reckons that this pandemic can be an opportunity for the Church to stop and reflect. Some organisational activities and structures need to be rethought. For example, the number of masses celebrated in the Archidiocese is unsustainable he says. Fr Andrea also questions the sustainability of structures within the Church which are run by volunteers. Most of these structures were set up when many women did not work outside the home. Moreover, the pensionable age was 60 rather than 65 years of age. Therefore more volunteers were available to help. These changes in society had an effect on the voluntary work and on the operations within the Church.

In the recent past, everyone within the locality knew each other. So there was no need for community building. However, nowadays within the parish, there are people coming from different villages and countries. People need to connect to create a sense of community and belonging within the Church. Thus, the Church needs to discover new ways of doing so says Fr Andrea.

If we have to stay indoors next winter

If we have to stay indoors again next winter the situation will be better. Most parishes have improved their ways of communicating with their parishioners.  However, Fr Andrea explains that teamwork among different parish priests and co-ordination between the parishes and the central organisations of the Church can improve further. He explains that, at the beginning of next year, parish priests will be trained on the use of online resources. These should help the delivery of online catechism classes and communication within their community.

The Church tries to do whatever she can to help people in the circumstances of this pandemic. However, she cannot do everything. Sometimes we need to refer people to specialists in particular fields. The Richmond Foundation is such a service for people facing mental health issues. There are also other organisations that offer professional services. Fr Andrea concluded that the important thing for the Church, as it carries out its mission, is that whoever needs help finds a caring presence and genuine guidance.

Read more:
– “I’ve Hit Rock Bottom” – Getting the Basics Right to Get out of Rock Bottom
– Corona Virus Poem – Feeling Proud

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