In a few words, how would you describe World Youth Day?

Filip: During Sunday Mass, in the Creed, we say: I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. World Youth Day is the perfect event which can show participants what the words: ‘catholic’ and ‘apostolic’ really mean!

First, let’s turn to the word ‘apostolic’. The Church is apostolic because it is built on the Apostle’s faith and tradition. The head of the Apostles, as we know, is Saint Peter. World Youth Day is an extraordinary opportunity to meet the Pope – the Peter of our times. Saint Ignatius of Antioch is famous for the words: Where the bishop is, there is the Church, these words paraphrase the eighth chapter of his letter to the Church at Smyrna, capturing one of the main ideas of World Youth Day.

Secondly, the word ‘catholic’. The word catholic comes from the ancient Greek adjective ‘καθολικός’ (katholikos), which means universal. So what does it mean that the Church is universal?

The Church is sent to all people, to all cultures, to all places. Jesus said to his disciples: Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15). World Youth Day is a brilliant chance to meet people from all over the world who believe in one God. Participants could also share with each other the different ways of living the faith. It is easily noticeable that Christians have different sensibilities and spiritualities, but all have the common purpose, ‘who’ is Jesus Christ.

Elizabeth: World Youth Day is definitely an event of great joy. It’s what I would call, ‘’a life experience’’. It’s incredible to see how big and alive our Church is! So many young people from all around the world gather all together to celebrate their love for our Lord. At WYD there’s this inexplicable atmosphere of happiness, fraternity, community and joy. What also touches you are the many differences that each person has. We are all different. We all have our story to tell – and we all attend WYD for different reasons and desires. But amid our differences, we have one thing in common. We have a heart that is singing the same song: God – the incredible mystery of WYD.

What are some moments that touched you during your experience and which you think shed light upon the unique character of the Christian Faith?

Filip: I am still amazed by one moment – which I had heard about before visiting Lisbon. It’s traditional that during World Youth Day there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with the Pope. this is a silent adoration. When I heard 1.5 billion people gathered together falling silent all at once, I knew that something extraordinary was going on. I think nothing, apart from God’s presence, is possible to stop all noises like it happened then.

Elizabeth: Like Filip, the moments that have touched me the most were the Adorations we had. They were most special to me because it was during these moments that I felt God’s presence the most. It was during these times that I would feel Jesus speaking right through my heart pronouncing the words, ‘’Do not be afraid. I am with you’’.

Something that also touched me was the endlessness joy that everyone had during those hot and tiring days. The days we lived were pretty intense but no one would show that! Everyone was always full of energy, singing, dancing, having fun… they always had this big wave of joy and always had smiles on their faces. No matter what hour or place, you could turn around and always find people being happy. And that was such a contagious happiness! That was something that amazed me so much to the point where I was able to finally understand the ‘secret’’ meaning of being a follower of Christ —  praising, being joyful even when things gets too hard to handle, and showing happiness and gratitude even when you’re your worst. These are also some of the main keys of sainthood. Like Pope Francis once said: ‘’A sad saint, it’s not a saint’’. And like Saint Philip Neri also said ‘’A servant of God ought to always be happy’’. Let’s all be saints together!

Can World Youth Day be a space that challenges and perhaps also aids those who do not see themselves as belonging to the Christian Faith/or to any faith at all? If so, how?

Filip: Does God exist? What is He like? Why do we live? – without any doubt, I can say that everyone, at some point, is asking or asked themselves these questions. For nonbelievers or those who are still searching for answers, attending World Youth Days provides a chance to meet the Catholic Church, to compare the answers which they have in their heart with the answers which the Church proclaims.

Nonbelievers might get to know the Church which is rich – not in a financial way, but because of its diversity. Maybe somewhere, those who are searching will find their place. I hope that God will grant them the grace of faith, because as he said: Seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7).

Why should anyone consider attending the next World Youth Day?

Filip: There are many reasons why we should consider attending the next edition of the World Youth Day, but maybe the one I would like to emphasize most is the fact that we can feel the Kingdom of our Father there.

We read in the Bible: For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20). In Lisbon, around 1.5 billion Christians gathered in the name of Christ. I dare say, we all had the feeling that He is there with us. On the streets there were Christians full of joy and real hope. The hope and joy which have, have their source in the Passion and the Resurrection of our Lord.

In the next chapters of the Gospel of Matthew we read: Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40). During World Youth Days, the families, schools, and institutions that hosted us performed the Corporal Works of Mercy. They fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, sheltered the homeless. We all were immersed in the Kingdom of God. Go there to experience it. It’s worth it.

And, how do you think that we can bring the WYD spirit to our own little communities in our hometowns?

Filip: I believe that bringing the World Youth Day spirit to our communities is possible by doing all that we were inspired to do during our days in Lisbon: expressing the joy of our faith, performing the Works of Mercy, talking about God with peers and meeting to praise God together. We also might make the Pope present among us by reading and discussing his encyclicals, Apostolic exhortations, and letters. I truly hope that we will keep the spirit in our communities, at least to the next World Youth Day!

Liza: I feel like we should not keep what we experienced in Lisbon to ourselves. Being at WYD felt as if I was given many things and now I feel the need to give what I received, to others. We are the proof that our church is still alive and that God still speaks to the young. We have now the job to show this to those who could not attend, by sharing the message of this incredible experience! All we can do is to share our experience and feelings but mostly important ,we need to share the joy we got for free. Because joy is meant to be shared with others, not to be kept to ourselves! I believe that this is what we can do in order to bring the WYD spirit to our families and communities…the rest God will do!”.

The post World Youth Day – Gone But With Us Still! appeared first on Universe of Faith.

1. In a few words, how would you describe the nature and purpose of World Youth Day – particularly to those persons who are not familiar with it.

Elizabeth: World Youth Day is a Catholic festival for youths from all over the globe; they gather to celebrate and positively influence each other (including those who do not consider themselves to be part of/active in) the faith. This happens formally through masses events namely, conferences, religious and encounter opportunities such as mass/prayer/benediction, exhibitions, sports, music, and art. In addition, the myriad of conversations and living in a micro community for a week with pilgrims far from and close to home also contributes to this evangelical experience.

Clifton: A year earlier I visited Fatima and there I had my first taste of the universal Church joined in prayer. Everyday people from all over the world would gather in front of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima to say the rosary which was being said in different languages. Different languages but joined in one prayer and in one faith; it was beautiful. I loved how in the name of Jesus, people from different nations were drawn to the same place. This increased my belief that, despite what’s going on in the world, I was not alone in my faith. When I got wind of the World Youth Day happening in Lisbon, I immediately became drawn to the idea of going. I imagined it would be an experience which was similar to what I had experienced a year earlier.

In the name of Jesus, the World Youth Day drew 1.5 million Catholics, mostly youths, from all the nations. In Lisbon, together we shared our faith, our love for the Jesus and His Church and grew in hope of all that He has promised. And the Lord promises that “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) and His presence could be felt throughout the World Youth Day. In the times of prayer, in the friendships, in the lively Christian concerts, in the hours of walking, in the uncomfortable sleeping; I could feel the peace of His presence.

2. Outline some moments that touched you during your experience and which you think help shed light upon the unique nature of the Christian Faith.

Elizabeth: Many pilgrims experience unique spiritual and social experiences such as Taize prayers, praying with relics, attending mass, the way of the cross and prayers with the masses of international youths. Taize prayers with the Gregorian fathers for example takes on a celestial dimension when combined with genuine prayer. We have all listened to a well-rehearsed choir who pull out all the musical stops for their audience; Taize hymns however, are simple and repetitive and yet they create the space to dialogue with the one who loves us the most – as a loving, caring Father who is omnipresent and ever close to us. Relics were also on display and personal prayer time is encouraged; this time there were plenty to choose from but that of St Therese of Lisieux proved to be popular. Championing her ‘Little way’, pilgrims were able to relate to her littleness as they too are young and full of anxieties. Despite this, just like Therese, they can pray and live their faith boldly reassured by her words;

‘God would not make me wish for something impossible and so, in spite of my littleness, I can aim at being a saint’ (Birri, C., n.d.).

Clifton: On the first day of the World Youth Day celebrations, youths were invited to join for the Opening Ceremony. I immediately felt that this was no usual celebration. On the way to the stage, loads of youths from every nation were walking in groups, waving their country’s flag, singing worship songs in their language and being merry. This moment ignited my heart with hope and joy and I felt prompted to praise God for His faithfulness to His Church. In this moment I also felt assured, that notwithstanding the huge number of people that gathered for the World Youth Day, God cared for me in a personal manner, knew me by name and He has claimed me as His own. It was no coincidence that I was there. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

The Evening Vigil was another awe-inspiring moment. Following moments of prayer, we were invited to a few minutes of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. As soon as the priest came out with the Blessed Sacrament, the 1.5million people gathered, fell into silence, and started falling to their knees in adoration and in prayer. As I fell on my knees, I could not help but be lifted in a spirit of praise to our awesome God. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

3. Can World Youth Day be a space that (challenges) and perhaps also aids those who do not see themselves as belonging to the Christian Faith/or to any faith at all? If so, how?

Elizabeth: Aside from personal renew of catholic beliefs, world youth day is a prime opportunity for dialogue between believers and non-believers. Pilgrims fill the streets with their songs, flags and everyone was proud to wear the pilgrim kit (especially the bucket hat!). Locals can’t help but wonder who Catholics really are, what they believe/stand for and why is it worth traveling so far for the festival. In a sense, pilgrims go back to basics as they talk of or exhibit core dogma in uncomplicated, mundane language. We explain that reality needs an unlimited, finite explanation that is God; he allows and uses evil to bring about greater goods so much so that he used crucifixion to set us free. Hot topics such as abortion, scandals in the church and defending marriage can be tackled in the queue for a ‘free’ hotdog; the unborn are persons with great potential who are threatened by abortion; the sins of the few should not disprove the whole truth of the church; marriage is a sacred, indissoluble contract ‘in Christ who strengthens’ (Phi14:13) spouses to bear all of life’s challenges (Horn, 2020).

“Furthermore, the aura of W.Y.D breaks the catholic stereotype of idle, old people who chant out prayers like parrots; rather, it shows the true faith in the body of youths who are searching to pursue the truth” – Elizabeth

 

Indeed, the Pope stressed that, ‘it is Jesus Himself who is looking at you, at this moment…he knows your sorrows, your successes, and your failure… Do not be afraid. Take heart, do not be afraid’. (Vatican, 2023). This is the armour we need to keep swimming upstream in our predominantly secular world. Carlo Acutis sums it up perfectly, ‘if we recognise the enormous blessing, we have in the Lord…we would participate in the fruits of the sacrifice and let go of so many superfluous things’ (Acutis, C., n.d).

Clifton: Apart from the World Youth Day being a Catholic gathering, it is also a gathering of youths from different nations. It is a gathering through which one could experience a sense of unity and peace between the nations which is special for anyone of any faith. Conversations with youths from other countries are very common and it is also common for youths from different countries to exchange gifts originating from their country with one another. Central to the Christian faith are joy, peace and love, and in my experience these were central markers of the World Youth Day. Who cannot do with a little more of joy, peace and love?

The World Youth Day challenged me, and might also challenge someone of a different faith, to re-think some misconceptions about what the Catholic Church looks like. It is not a lifeless Church confined to intimidating buildings or dull prayers. With the World Youth Day one may come to realise that the Church is also made up of youth, who are full of life and joy, and who express their faith in ways that are vibrant and beautiful. After experiencing faith in this way, one may come to see those intimidating buildings, as places of genuine faith-filled worship, and the prayers as enriching meditations.

4. Why should anyone consider attending the next World Youth Day? And how do you think that we can bring the WYD spirit to our own little communities in Malta?

Elizabeth: Wyd is a spiritual ‘boost’ where anyone can renew or discover contemporary catholic faith as it is lived internationally by lay people worldwide. It will hopefully inspire you to take up the Pope’s challenge to be the rain that our earth so desperately needs (Wells, C., 2023). Drops of rain make a difference as friendships form with the aim of cultivating the international catholic community. Form a practical point of view, pilgrims develop a newfound appreciation for a hot showers, comfortable beds and easy access to food (no long ques!).

Moreover, we can promote an attitude for gratitude amongst out communities. We have the privilege of knowing and being loved by God; this is especially prominent in little things like gathering people to go to mass and creating spiritual and social opportunities to foster growth in the community. We can also pray traditional prayers, such the rosary, and contemporary ones in the form of praise fest concerts with catholic music. We might even include different languages to include our newfound international friends because after all ‘there are many parts, yet one body’ of Christ (1 Cor 12:12-27).

Clifton: At the end of the World Youth Day, the Pope addressed the youth and instructed us to not be afraid. I felt this message to be calling me to not be afraid to, like Mary, arise and go with haste (Luke 1:39), and share the joy, peace and hope we experienced during the World Youth Day back to Malta; back to my family and friends, my work, my parish and the places where I serve. I felt encouraged to not be afraid to be a witness of Christ in these places.

“I would say that the World Youth Day has gone by, but this experience is continuing to bear fruit days after. During my sorrows, my failures and burdens, I continue to be reminded of those words of the Pope and of Luke1:39. I am reminded to not be afraid and to allow the Holy Spirit to work within me so that I may go with haste to face all that life throws at me” – Clifton

The gifts received from other youths serve as good reminders. Throughout the World Youth Day I also had the opportunity to network with other youths who share the same faith from Malta. This allowed me to get to know and connect with other Catholic youth groups which I was not aware of before and I feel encouraged to maintain this connection and seek opportunities to collaborate. For these reasons, I feel very confident in recommending anyone seeking to grow in faith and to connect with other people sharing their faith, to attend the next World Youth Day.

The post Back From World Youth Day! And Now? appeared first on Universe of Faith.

Initially you were all searching – how has forming part of “Christ Our Neighbour Group” helped you with ‘sifting your faith’?

Marylene: The initial group originated from a group of sixth formers, mainly in our late teens and early twenties, it was a phase in our development where existential questions came to the fore.  The teachings instilled in us by our parents came under scrutiny. It is typical at that age to stir away from the past, which tended to seem obsolete or irrelevant. Most of us had the background of the Legion of Mary and good parental grounding. If our ideas differed from that of our family, we would not dare to question it, but we kept it to ourselves. However, the apple does not fall too far from the tree and the group helped us build on what was already there but with a different perspective and outlook.

It was also helpful to realize that our thoughts and ideas were shared by others. The group helped us discuss issues common to all. ‘Sifting the faith’ is a continuous process. A lifelong one that changes or rather is modified as we mature and undergo life’s undulating cycles. Our contacts with the elderly, children in institutes and people with a disability helped, provided exposure to the needs and painful expectations of society, and helped fulfil our ethos stating that we should be hands-on.

In the group-prayer written by Fr Joe Busuttil (i.e., the group’s first spiritual director), the word “sejħa” (i.e., call) is mentioned. How important is it for us to first discern where God is calling us “to be”, rather than merely experimenting without being open to His guidance?

Marylene: The quest to find out more intensive and introspective questions as to our reason for being and our place in this world leads one to question living according to the ‘will of God’. If one does not comply with the will of God, one is not living life to its fulfilment. Discernment could be confusing to an inquiring mind and leads to disquieting thoughts, especially for someone like me who always feels that the grass is greener on the other side of the field, especially when one is still finding one’s place in the world vis a vis work, status vocation, etc.

My acceptance to join the group was not only a call but the need to search for something which was so much bigger than oneself. Retreats, prayer meetings, and discussions guided by the help of Fr. Joe helped in paving the way for discernment. As time went by and maturity set in, you realise that it would be easier to abandon yourself to the will of God by actually giving up your quest and accepting life as it is. A poster hanging in one of the prayer rooms at the Little Flower (nuns) stated: ‘BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED’. This surrender provided the backdrop to listen to ‘God’s voice and be aware of the nudges and inner voices.

In our conversation, you outlined the “revolutionary” approach that you initially had in your earlier years: in what ways, do you think, can youths (in general) and those within the Church be revolutionary today?

Marylene: I distinctly remember having the urge to change things in our society. I might not term them as ‘revolutionary’ but it was an attempt, such as going on the beaches with placards protesting against topless bathing. Our interactions with social groups as mentioned above, and the activities we organized were in themselves an attempt to change the world and the perspective of society towards them. Apart from that it provided cohesion for the group.

Today’s youths have ample opportunities to make themselves heard – starting from our environment to the corruption of society. Youths being able to vote from the age of 16 provides a substantial cohort when elections occur. Who wants to face corruption in society, injustices, and the destruction of our limited green space? At our age, we do not aspire much, but young people and children deserve to live in peace, tranquillity, and an environment that promotes good mental health. You have much to fight about. Your livelihood and well-being are at stake! You can still make it!

During the last two years, I had many opportunities to hear mass in various parishes in Gozo. Mass there had a certain amount of enthusiasm, modern choirs, and the churches were full. It set me thinking.   There was such a stark difference between Churches in Gozo and the majority of Maltese parishes (obviously not all).

While the output from the priest celebrating mass was important and clearly there was a creative element at play, the attitude of the laity was that of enthusiasm. And it was like a light bulb suddenly lighting up. We expect our priests to be creative, do things differently. The ritual of the mass is what it is and can hardly be changed. I often try to put myself in the shoes of the priest celebrating mass facing a handful of lethargic people. The situation is pathetic. I feel that a priest can only work according to the energy generated by an interested and cooperating congregation. Young people today have so many activities to kindle their enthusiasm and expose them to the needs of an ailing world. I envy World Youth Day. What enthusiasm! What an experience!

One activity I clearly remember was the feast of Kristu Re where all religious groups including CONG gathered in Floriana at the foot of the Statue of Christ the King with banners and marched down Kings Way to congregate in front of St. John’s Cathedral.   That event was not simply to acknowledge Christ as King but to unite religious groups with a common goal. It felt good!

Women in the Church.

Marylene: Women’s voices have also been silenced from time immemorial in spite of the fact that in the gospels Mary Magdalenand Mother Mary were given priority, dignity, and importance. It’s a miracle in itself that we have amazing women who, because they heard the voice of God, risked everything and followed their calling. These brave women, saints, and mystics gave up everything to evangelize and make themselves heard in spite of the prevailing culture in a male-dominated world.

Personally, I feel that the Pope’s suggestion to promote women deacons and try to include them within the church is a first step to include more women and have their perspectives noted. But I sincerely hope that it does not stop there. I firmly believe that women have much to contribute and should have a more active role in the running of a parish.

“Vocation is not limited simply to clergy within the Catholic Church but includes every individual. We all have a calling in some way or form to be God’s hands on this earth. Each on his own way to minister to God’s people.”

The group always made it our priority by joining Dar tal-Providenza and the elderly at Little Sisters of the Poor and the Orphans in Żabbar and share in their lives. Hence the name (i.e., Christ Our Neighbour Group).

In light of Fr Joe Inguanez recent passing, the group extends their condolences and prayers to him and all his loved ones. Fr Inguanez was CONG’s chaplain for a number of years.

Read More:

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The post Bloom Where You Are Planted! The Experience of growing in a Community of Faith – Marylene Savona Ventura appeared first on Universe of Faith.

The passion and the crucifixion of Christ are very dear to me. In fact, I sincerely believe that if Christ had to call me to be His disciple, He would call me during that journey. In Christ who is suffering, I do not see a man whom I should pity; in Christ who is undergoing His passion, feelings of guilt and shame stay away from me. As He undergoes his passion, rather, I find myself lost in His loving gaze for me. My eyes meet His and I feel tenderly loved in a complete way, in a way I have never imagined before. I feel immersed in an ocean of unconditional love.

As He is enduring the scourging, I do not see Jesus as a victim of human sin, but my Saviour who is freeing me and saving me. I realise how deeply precious and dear I am for God. I find myself wanting to hide and find comfort in His wounds. I find myself wanting to walk all this journey with Him – to be there for Him. And I can see the Spirit of the Resurrection already present.

Why should I be afraid of His passion, why should I seek to run away – when in those moments I can experience his deepest and most tender love for me?

His blood is sanctifying. It heals me. He gives me the courage to follow in His footsteps and also embrace the pains of my life steadfastly. I love the passion of Christ, for I do not simply see a human being who is undergoing pain and suffering from human sin, but the glory of God. Because during this affliction, from Him emerged only light, unconditional love, forgiveness. A torrential of graces were poured on to us! And these are graces which give us the strength to receive and accept the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Graces which, when we believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is our Saviour, can give us the faculty to transform our lives completely.

In light of all this, I am reminded of a metaphor that a priest once narrated on a radio-station. He compared the journey of Christ’s death and resurrection to a woman giving labour. The pain and suffering, irrespective of their horror, are ultimately needed for the child to be born. This means that suffering isn’t something that we should always attempt to escape, but to realise that sometimes there is a kind of freedom and potential growth in it. In a sense, the Resurrection wouldn’t make sense without the antecedence of Death. And this death – all form of death – is never separated from He who loves us. Grace gives colour even to the blackness of the tomb.

See More – Top-pope-francis-quotes-on-death/

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When I was an atheist, I believed there was no evidence for God, but that science  was truth. Then science showed me there was no evidence for atheism – Dr Sy Garte, PhD in Biochemistry

Questions featuring the relation between the most recent scientific evidence and the existence of God are ones that are hotly debated in our society (and rightly so). The positions taken are many – some say that God and science do not go hand in hand – even that science has, in some sense, done away with the “proofs” for the existence of God. Is this so?

Today we will make recourse to a highly respected Biochemist – someone who was, for most of their life, a staunch atheist. His name Sy Garte. What is so striking about Dr Garte is the fact that it was science per se – his own research – which compelled him to discover God’s existence. The question is: what exactly was it that helped him understand that a divine reality (i.e. and ultimately that the Christian God) actually exists?

Garte’s primary work is his award-winning book titled, The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith (Kregel Publications, 2019). Here, Garte competently explores physics, philosophy of science, quantum entanglement, mathematics, evolution, consciousness, and the fight for morality and justice, all in a fast-moving personal story that’s rather humorous at points and heart-wrenching in others. He begins the book by affirming the importance of questioning. Raised in a militant anti-religious (communist) family, he narrates how “my parents’ atheism was indeed a deeply felt religious belief, and that it was successfully transmitted to and accepted by me at a very young age”. His faith, in other words, was in atheism. In this respect, Garte confesses that “like all faiths, the faith I was born into raised questions. And like all faiths, mine had ready answers for most of these questions”. The questions raised were: “why are we here? what is our purpose?”. But in light of his Marxist (communist) context, the answer to these questions were clear to him: “to work for the betterment of all humanity, to strive for fairness and justice in the world for all, to defeat the evil forces of superstition, oppression, and hatred”. All “good answers”, he concludes.

In this respect, however, while acknowledging the plausibility of such answers, Garte realised that there was a problem with the Marxist framework: “but even early in my life, I sensed a problem with them”. Thus, in a quasi-Lewisian fashion, Garte asked, “if there is no concept of fairness in nature (no objective standard), and if humans are nothing more than natural beings, why should they be fair?”:

where did the subversive concepts of fairness and justice come from? What was their source if it wasn’t from the natural world?

According to an atheistic framework, capitalists are simply acting out the pseudo-Darwinist prerogative of the survival of the fittest. At first, Garte approached these questions by adopting a purely Darwinist approach: “the answer I came up with was that humans had somehow evolved to a higher level in the midst of a cruel and uncaring world, that humans had evolved a sense of purpose and a potential for further growth and development”. He continues here, writing, “I felt that through an evolutionary quirk (what Richard Dawkins later referred to as a “spandrel”), humans had become a unique species of animal that could feel, think, and create”. In this vein, Garte understood that we humans had “evolved from the natural world, but [he] also came to see that we were something more”. We could create beauty, we could change our lives, we could love. All of these unique capacities, he writes, “were vague and uncertain ideas, pretty well lost in the maelstrom of anti-religious views that dominated my mind”.

Until it all changed. And because?

It would not do justice to explore the rigorous scientific evidence that Garte outlines in the book in such a limited space. What I suggest, rather, is for anyone who is sincerely curious to explore the book, authentically. What can be said for certain is that the book manages to show that, the common idea that to be a Christian one must park one’s mind at the doors of the church before entering, is a myth. Garte’s journey is testament of one who searched lengthily for the truth and who let the truth itself guide him – through the means of his own rigorous discipline. He is a brilliant example of a Christian following Jesus’s command to love God with our minds (Matt. 22:37).

Check out Sy Garte’s website in which one can provide feedback about the book, post a review, or ask questions.

Dr. Garte’s book “The Works of His Hands“.

See More – Top-popes-quotes-about-science

– Famous-catholic-astronomers/

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What is prayer?

Manuel: At the end of each day – when “the curtain” closes and the applauding hands are no longer audible, when our possible mask falls – a remarkably fragile person is discovered. What is discovered is a human being that, some argue, is not really ‘a person’ but an amalgam of images and masks.

I take this context to be an essential element when coming to define what prayer is. Personally, I take prayer to be essentially characterised by “silence”. This kind of silence is a silence to which one need not demonstrate, perform, or do anything. It is a silence in which one truly accepts one’s brokenness. This is indeed a very personal experience, featuring two faces which, at first glance, may seem distant or unbridgeable, namely: the face of a loving God and the face of a broken humanity. Indeed, because prayer is, in a deep sense, God’s love for our brokenness, for what we are.

Does society tend to look down upon certain forms of prayer?

Manuel: Society does look down upon certain forms of prayers. I’m afraid that many professions have attempted to interpret and thus reduce what goes on in the human heart when praying to God. Here, I also have in mind processions and pilgrimages. It seems that these forms of worship are practised mostly by the ‘working class’, and are looked down upon by the ‘middle class’. For instance, some have argued that people walk the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows simply because they identify their sorrows with those of Our Lady and not because they truly believe. This sounds like a gross generalisation! How can one argue that every person that walks behind the effigy of Our Lady of Sorrows does so simply because of this identification? To me, it seems more of a projection or an assumption to think so.

Moreover, many argue that we need a more authentic kind of religion. Although we must always strive more toward this, these critics frequently attempt to ‘disney-fy’ religion and equate it with mere entertainment. Unfortunately, locally there is a tendency to make novel kinds of entertainment out of Processions, but, again, it is grossly wrong to think that the ‘ill-intention’ of some people is everybody’s. Aestheticism (i.e. reducing worship to mere entertainment) is unfortunately a reality, but it is not the complete reality.

In one sense, all Feasts and with them all Processions are an important reminder (or should be) that divine love triumphs over death! They are also an expression of hope; a transgression of the ‘everyday’ to keep reminding us of the relation between hope and love.

What do you think is the relation between external forms of prayer and idolatry?

Manuel: Anybody who thinks of external forms of worship as blatant paganism (i.e. or as idolatry) is implicitly denouncing the Incarnation. This is because, Christ chose a human body to make the salvific mysteries present. Christ chose an external sign to express a spiritual reality.

In this light, the “symbol” should not be seen as being equally important as the representation. Indeed, after all, statues could in fact be potential means of idolatry and some people do have a faith that is indeed limited to only the days of the feast. But all of these cases misinterpret and misconstrue the fundamental role that “symbol” should play.

I was always intrigued when noticing that the people one never sees in church would turn up when the statue of Our Lady leaves its niche. While some may rush to accuse such people of hypocrisy, it is, I think, a mistake. This perspective often fails to take into account the internal journeys of people. While faith should not be linked exclusively to a statue, one should never eradicate any thread that holds the relationship of people to the faith (i.e. even though one’s faith shouldn’t and cannot only depend on a statue). The point here is that the atmosphere of the church, together with the aesthetics, could be a potential means for one to reinvigorate their faith. These ‘in-betweens’ (i.e. these signs and symbols) can make certain realities more present and reachable to us.

Sometimes, different people have different ways in which they access the sacred. Some access it through words, some through music, some through silence, and some others access it through pictures and sculptures.

This coming Sunday a pilgrimage with the Statue of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces will start at 4:15pm from the church of Żabbar. This is a pilgrimage that is enacted as a way of immersing us deeper in the spirt of Lent. On behalf of the committee of the People’s Sunday’s pilgrimage, we invite you to this event, with the participation of His Grace, Archbishop Scicluna.

Manuel Abdilla is 25 years old. He is currently occupying the role of a teacher at one of Malta’s local schools, and he is mainly interested in Art, Contemporary Philosophy, Literature, Liturgy, the history of the clergy post world war I and before Vatican II, and the history of the church during the reign of Pius XII.

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There’s a space in the beauty of Creation that only you can fill.

There’s a difference in the world that only you can make.

There’s a particular calling that can only be answered through your will.

There’s a valuable story to be written and told only through your voice.

There’s a process of forgiveness that frees others, which can only happen through your transformative journey of healing.

There’s a particular cross that only you can embrace and bear.

There’s a life of prayer that always awaits for your soul to kneel.

There’s a dance, that the spirit of God gracefully longs to direct your steps in.

There’s a song waiting to be sung through your spirit as it rises to Him.

There’s a love to be shared only through your self-gift.

All you once were, all you presently are, and all you are yet to be, are deeply seen as precious in the eyes of Him, of whom you are lovingly His.

In light of all this, finally, let us try to reflect upon how Jesus himself is a gift to us!

An unconditional love permeates God’s every act. This is expressed in His self-love as a gift to humanity – in Jesus – the wounded healer, the faithful lover – but it is also expressed in all of life that strives to live, it is expressed in a joy that points to more joy, it is expressed in the silence of a world that doesn’t need to exist but continues to, it is expressed in the cries of an infant who breathes fresh air for the first time, it is expressed in the Sacrament of Confession, through which God forgives and heals each bleeding wound perfectly, it is expressed even in pain, since pain (our distaste for it) reminds us of our real home, a home that is free of pain, free of death.

This Christmas, therefore, let us allow the one who has experienced each wound, to heal us, let us allow the one who, against all odds, continued to love, to really love us. Let us be born anew, as more healed, more loving, more human. As Meister Eckhart asked, “what good is it for me if Mary gave birth to the son of God 1400 years ago, and I don’t give birth to God’s son in my person and my culture and my times?”.

We are all meant to be “other Mary’s”. By God’s grace and guidance, we can all birth divinity!

Read More –

The Difference Jesus Makes in my Life – Universe of Faith

Lord I Need You, Where Are You? – Universe of Faith

Is Jesus Fully Human? – Universe of Faith

The post A Letter To You, This Christmas! appeared first on Universe of Faith.

1.      You have been pursuing painting and poetry for quite a while now, what role, if any, has faith played in your journey? i.e., have you ever had any moments of spiritual doubt – and if so, what role has Art played in all this?

Sarah: I think that faith has always been combined with my poetry in some way. I have a tendency of writing vulnerable pieces, directly from the heart. Since my faith is important to me, I find myself writing about my struggles with God, my doubts, the times I don’t understand what He is doing in my life and reflecting about who He is and what He has done. I also think that writing about my faith gives me the opportunity to remind myself of why I believe in God and my journey in discovering who He is.

Mark: With Sarah, I’d say that art is a good opportunity to express myself, what I am going through, and what I want to say other than in words. But touching on the point of spiritual doubt, certainly, I too passed through moments of doubt which eventually led to moments of spiritual crisis. Jesus had his own people – who saw Him and who could hear Him speak – that still doubted Him. It is essentially more difficult for us who do not see him physically – Jesus himself noted this with His words to Thomas, “because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Jesus understands our need for evidence, and he is willing to provide it if we ask for it with a humble heart! But believe me, you will find your strength where you least expect it – the secret is to pray, keep believing, and keep pushing through, a day at a time.

2.       Do you think that Art and Faith closely relate to each other? If so, how?

Mark: For me, art and faith have been two distinctive areas in my life, but as I took my faith more seriously, creating art gave me the ‘quiet space’ necessary to be by myself and with God. Art is not just about grabbing a paintbrush and finishing a painting – at first, I used to feel the urge to finish a drawing/painting the same day I started it, and obviously, I would usually end up making a mess. I realized this is a replication of anything in life – including faith. I encourage anyone to be patient with themselves, with the process, with life, and to trust in God’s guiding presence.

Sarah: I agree with Mark. Poetry requires a lot of introspection so I cannot help but reflect when I want to draw inspiration or meaning. I think that struggling through questions of life, about God, and also battling doubts is closely linked to the words of the art I make, because it allows me to filter through the many thoughts and make sense of them.

I even find myself expressing my gratitude, praise, and thanks to God through poetry. I’m very inspired by the Psalms which were in fact songs of praise and poems that expressed every feeling one could have, including despair, disappointment, loneliness, anger, joy, peacefulness and more. I find that the images, parallelisms, and interpretations of King David allow me to formulate my own expression of my faith in poetry, just as he did.

3.       How has Art affected the way you experience Advent?

Sarah: As a creative person, I think that having themes of writing (i.e., themes such as Advent) helps to inspire me in a specific way, providing direction to my thoughts. I cannot help but see signs during Advent and attributing meaning to them. There is something within me that allows this to happen naturally, so I think that experiencing Advent as a writer means adapting the thought process to extract meaning from everything related to this season and developing it into a relatable manner for readers to know how it impacts me and how it could impact them too! That’s also what I tried to do with this poem! (See Sarah’s poem below).

4.       How can Art – any form of Art – help us during the Advent season?

Mark: Over the years, artists always loved including symbols and hidden messages in their artworks – be it Leonardo Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and the rest of the greats.

The creative process or the birth of an idea requires patience and waiting. And waiting can be daunting, we do not feel comfortable with that feeling of anticipation! I can relate this to the Advent season because we know something good is coming but Advent gives us the time to re-compose ourselves and wait. And waiting nowadays is something scarce – we want everything now, today, this minute. But I realized that in waiting we learn a lot about ourselves, our surroundings, what makes us comfortable, and we learn to appreciate just standing still. It is in this moment that we really feel vulnerable, alone, and possibly lonely; but it is also in this moment that we can start loving ourselves again, and it is the perfect opportunity to experience the love of God. This is a beautiful form of Art – and it makes Advent itself a form of Art.

So, this Advent, let yourself be made into Art! Allow yourself to wait, to hope, to receive God’s intimate love! 

Holy Cave

I walk in complete darkness as if
the star in the sky is leading me astray
rather than urging me to clasp
my hands to pray.

I long to know that what I’m striving for
will be met by an open door;
stepping blindly into the unknown,
I’m comforted I’m not alone.

While I look for the pieces within me
that seem to be missing,
that seem to be lost,
my heart waits, counting the gaping holes,
the emptiness,
calculating the cost.

Following my heart has never been easy,
knowing I am doing what is right,
and the response within me remains a battle
that would now rather be fight than flight.

When the longing, the yearning,
the patience, the zeal,
bring me to a quiet place, a holy cave,
finally, I am free to open my hands

and heal.

by Sarah Zammit Munro

Read More: 

– “I Waste so Much Time” – Getting Over Guilt of Wasted Time

– Finding Time for God

The post The 𝑨𝒓𝒕 of Becoming – what does Art have to do with Advent? 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

Read more:
– A Heart for Others – The Nursing Experience of Rosita
– 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.