MAY THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST, BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEART TO KEEP US HUMBLE, GRATEFUL, MERCIFUL, FORGIVING --- O GOD, BLESS ALL THAT IS COMING FROM YOU AND BREAK ALL THAT IS NOT COMING FROM YOU, AMEN --- This site is just a drop from the immeasurable ocean in JESUS, THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, HOLY TRINITY ONE GOD - HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE - TEACHER, HEALER, REDEEMER --- The main purpose of this site is to make an easier access to Catholic Religion-related links.
O SPIRTU S-SANTU --- Sorijiet Orsolini (Ursuline Sisters)
O Spirtu s-Santu, Għajn ta’ paċi u dawl
O Spirtu s-Santu, Għajn ta’ paċi u dawl X2
Jien bil-ġuħ, ejja u itmagħni.
Jien bil-għatx, ejja u sqini
Jien għamja, ejja u dawwalni.
Jien fqira, ejja biex tgħanini
Ejja konsolazzjoni tiegħi.
Ejja, ejja O ferħ tiegħi
Ejja paċi u għerf tiegħi.
Ejja forza u dawl tiegħi
Spirtu s-Santu, jien nerħi ruħi f’idejK
Spirtu s-Santu spirani.
Imħabba t’Alla kkunsmani.
Mexxini Int fit-triq tas-sewwa.
Mill-periklu ejj’eħlisni.
Begħdni minn kull illużjoni.
Minn kull ħażen Int eħlisni.
Marija Ommi ħarisni.
Flimkien ma’ Ġesù berikni,
Spirtu s-Santu, jien nerħi ruħi f’idejk !
What has the Church said about Medjugorje? Can priests lead pilgrimages there and can Catholics have a devotion to it? Hear Fr. Chris Alar read a letter from Fr. Jason Lewis explaining what the Church has said about this Marian apparition and what you need to know before you go.
Can Catholics Go to Medjugorje? Fr. Chris Alar Explains Pilgrimages and Church Approval
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Please Note: On May 19 2019, received email dated May 18, 2019 in which at one point Sr. Emmanuel Maillard says,
"Now, as is the case for all websites associated with Medjugorje, we will no longer be able to publish the link to Mirjana's apparition, because this has been requested by the authorities. We will however provide a simple photo of Mirjana. Obedience is always blessed! "
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Sr. Emmanuel Maillard
Medjugorje, May 13, 2019
Our Lady of Fatima!
Dear Children of Medjugorje, praised be Jesus and Mary!
Hallelujah! Since yesterday, May 12th, 2019, we are under the shock of the News, the wonderful News that has already spread all around the world:
Pope Francis has officially authorized pilgrimages to Medjugorje! A foundational event in the history of this Shrine that has been attracting huge crowds since June 1981, when it all started.
I invite you to take a look at the link vaticannews, from the Vatican:
Yesterday morning at the 8 o'clock mass, Bishop Hoser, the Pope's Envoy to Medjugorje, made the announcement, in the presence of the Nuncio for Bosnia Hercegovina, Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto. Go to:
Joy has seized our hearts, so we warmly thank our Mother of Heaven, the Queen of Peace, for allowing this great opening on the part of Rome, which we were waiting for, in trusting prayer and with eagerness. Let us continue to pray that heaven will continue its wonders in this place of grace, which John Paul II called a "Centre of spirituality" and wished so much to visit himself.
Today, May 13th, we celebrate the first apparition of Mary in Fatima, and it so happens that Medjugorje is the continuation of what the Mother of God began through the secrets she conveyed in Fatima (message of Aug. 25th, 1991). We are truly living in a time of grace and mercy, even amid the whirlwinds and storms that the enemy provokes.
Let us not weaken in our fight against the darkness, greatly encouraged by this wonderful step forward from the Vatican, which will certainly also attract many priests and bishops to Medjugorje!
May God's blessing be upon you all! Hallelujah!
Sister Emmanuel +
(Translated from French)
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13 Maggio 2019 Madonna di Fatima Santa Messa ore 1830 OMELIA 13 Maggio 2019 Memoria Liturgica Madonna di Fatima - Omelia della Santa Messa celebrata alle ore 18:30 presso la Chiesa di Santo Spirito in Sassia Santuario della Divina Misericordia in Roma dal Rettore Mons Jozef Bart
New papal document states mandatory reporting and investigating procedures for abuse
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Motu Proprio on abuses: There is no longer immunity, no one is above the law
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Archbishop Scicluna explains Motu Proprio to his flock
On Thursday, 9 May 2019, Pope Francis’ Motu proprio, "Vos estis lux mundi", establishing new procedures for reporting abuse and violence, and ensuring that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions, was presented at the Holy See Press Office.
Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna, Adjunct Secretary at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who was deeply involved in preparing the document, used simple language to explain how he would illustrate the document to his flock.
"Vos estis lux mundi”. “You are the light of the world… Our Lord Jesus Christ calls every believer to be a shining example of virtue, integrity and holiness”. The Gospel of Matthew provides the title and first words of Pope Francis’ new Motu proprio dedicated to the fight against sexual abuse committed by clerics and religious, as well as the actions or omissions of Bishops and Religious Superiors that in any way interfere with or fail to investigate abuse. The Pope recalls that “the crimes of sexual abuse offend Our Lord, cause physical, psychological and spiritual damage to the victims and harm the community of the faithful", and mentions the special responsibility of the Successors of the Apostles to prevent these crimes. The document represents another result of the Meeting on the Protection of Minors held in the Vatican in February 2019. It establishes new procedural rules to combat sexual abuse and to ensure that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. It establishes universal norms, which apply to the whole Catholic Church.
An "office" for reporting in every diocese
Among the new indications given is the obligation for every Diocese in the world to set up, by June 2020, "one or more public, stable and easily accessible systems for submission of reports" concerning sexual abuse committed by clerics and religious, the use of child pornography, and cover-ups of the same abuse. The legislation does not specify what these "systems" consist of, because it leaves operational choices to the Diocese; and these may differ according to various cultures and local conditions. The idea is that anyone who has suffered abuse can have recourse to the local Church, while being assured they will be well received, protected from retaliation, and that their reports will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
The obligation to report
Another new indication concerns the obligation for all clerics, and all men and women religious, to "report promptly" all accusations of abuse of which they become aware, as well as any omissions and cover-ups in the management of cases of abuse, to ecclesiastical authorities. Though this obligation was formerly left up to individual consciences, it now becomes a universally established legal precept. The obligation as such is sanctioned for clerics and religious, but any layperson can, and is encouraged to, use the system to report violence and abuse to the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Not only child abuse
The document covers not only violence and abuse against children and vulnerable adults, but also sexual abuse and violence resulting from an abuse of authority as well. This includes cases of violence against religious by clerics, as well as abuse committed against adult seminarians or novices.
Dealing with cover-ups
One of the most important elements is the identification, as a specific category, of so-called cover-ups, defined as "actions or omissions intended to interfere with or avoid civil investigations or canonical investigations, whether administrative or penal, against a cleric or a religious regarding the delicts" of sexual abuse. This section refers to those who hold positions of particular responsibility in the Church, and who, instead of pursuing abuses committed by others, have hidden them, and have protected alleged offenders instead of protecting the victims.
The protection of vulnerable people
Vos estis lux mundi stresses the importance of protecting minors (anyone under 18) and vulnerable people. The definition of a "vulnerable person" is broadened to include “any person in a state of infirmity, physical or mental deficiency, or deprivation of personal liberty which, in fact, even occasionally, limits their ability to understand or to want to otherwise resist the offense”. In this respect, the new Motu proprio echoes recent Vatican legislation (CCXCVII of 26 March 2019).
Respecting the laws of states
The obligation to report to the local Ordinary or Religious Superior does not interfere with, or change, any other reporting obligation that may exist in respective countries’ legislation. In fact, the norms "apply without prejudice to the rights and obligations established in each place by state laws, particularly those concerning any reporting obligations to the competent civil authorities".
The protection of victims and those reporting abuse
The sections dedicated to protecting those who come forward to report abuse are also significant. According to the provisions of the Motu proprio, someone reporting abuse cannot be subjected to "prejudice, retaliation or discrimination" because of what they report. The problem of victims who in the past have been told to keep silent is also addressed: these universal norms provide that “an obligation to keep silent may not be imposed on any person with regard to the contents of his or her report”. Obviously, the seal of confession remains absolute and inviolable and is in no way affected by this legislation. Vos estis lux mundi also states that victims and their families must be treated with dignity and respect and must receive appropriate spiritual, medical and psychological assistance.
The investigation of bishops
The Motu proprio regulates the investigation of Bishops, Cardinals, Religious Superiors and all those who lead a Diocese, or another particular Church, in various capacities and even temporarily. The rules apply not only in the case of these persons being investigated for having committed sexual abuse themselves, but also if they are accused of having "covered up", or of failing to pursue abuses of which they were aware, and which it was their duty to address.
The role of the Metropolitan
There are new indications regarding the role of the Metropolitan Archbishop in preliminary investigations: if the accused individual is a Bishop, the Metropolitan receives a mandate from the Holy See to investigate. This strengthens his traditional role in the Church and indicates a desire to make the most of local resources with regard to investigations into Bishops. Every thirty days, the person in charge of the investigation sends the Holy See "a status report on the state of the investigation", which “is to be completed within the term of ninety days" (extensions for "just reasons" are possible). This establishes specific timeframes and requires the Vatican Dicasteries concerned to act promptly.
Involvement of the laity
Citing the Canon Law article that stresses the important contribution of the laity, the norms of the Motu proprio provide that the Metropolitan, in conducting the investigations, can avail himself of the help of "qualified persons", according to "the needs of the individual case and, in particular, taking into account the cooperation that can be offered by the lay faithful". The Pope has repeatedly stated that the specializations and professional skills of the laity represent an important resource for the Church. The norms now provide that Episcopal Conferences and Dioceses may prepare lists of qualified persons willing to collaborate, but the ultimate responsibility for investigations remains with the Metropolitan.
Presumption of innocence
The principle of presumption of innocence of the person under investigation is reaffirmed. The accused will be informed of the investigation when requested to do so by the competent Dicastery. The accusation must be notified only if formal proceedings are opened. If deemed appropriate, in order to ensure the integrity of the investigation or of the evidence, this notification may be omitted during the preliminary stage.
Conclusion of the investigation
The Motu proprio does not modify the penalties for crimes committed, but it does establish the procedures for reporting and carrying out the preliminary investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Metropolitan (or, in certain cases, the Bishop of the suffragan Diocese with the greatest seniority of appointment) forwards the results to the competent Vatican Dicastery. This completes his contribution. The competent Dicastery then proceeds "in accordance with the law provided for the specific case", acting on the basis of already existing canonical norms. Based on the results of the preliminary investigation, the Holy See can immediately impose preventive and restrictive measures on the person under investigation.
Concrete commitment
With this new juridical instrument, called for by Pope Francis, the Catholic Church takes a further and incisive step in the prevention and fight against abuse, putting the emphasis on concrete actions. As the Pope writes at the beginning of the document: "In order that these phenomena, in all their forms, never happen again, a continuous and profound conversion of hearts is needed, attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church".
From the Holy See Press Office, Meeting Point on Pope Francis’ Motu proprio regarding the fight against abuse.
Pope Francis has promulgated the Apostolic Letter in the Form of Motu proprio “Vos estis lux mundi” concerning new measures to be adopted to prevent and fight sexual abuse committed against minors, against vulnerable persons or abuses carried out with violence, threat or abuse of authority.
This Motu proprio, the product of reflection and collaboration during and after the meeting of the Presidents of Episcopal Conferences and Supreme Moderators of the main religious Institutes held last February, represents a further commitment of the Church in this area.
“Vos estis lux mundi” contains several innovative elements that aim to improve coordination between the dioceses and the Holy See. In particular, within a year all dioceses must establish stable and publicly accessible systems to report cases of sexual abuse and their cover-up. Furthermore, this Motu proprio obliges all clerics, as well as men and women religious, to report to the competent ecclesiastical authorities the abuses of which they become aware. The reported cases must thereafter be promptly verified and handled in accordance with canon law. As for reports regarding Bishops, the Motu proprio introduces procedural measures that, as a rule, charge the Metropolitan of the pertinent ecclesiastical Province with verifying what has been reported. Also established for the first time are time restrictions within which investigations must be carried out, as well as the procedures to be followed by the Metropolitan, who can make use of the specific professional contributions of the lay faithful.
Finally, the Motu proprio emphasizes the care of people harmed and the importance of welcoming them, listening to them and accompanying them, offering them the spiritual and medical assistance they need.
It is our profound desire that this new Motu proprio, accompanied by prayer and animated by conversion, will contribute to eliminating the scourge of sexual abuse of minors and the vulnerable.
Jesus does not enter our home after we clear all disorders, BUT there will be order after He enters ... regardless of the sickness, problems, tragedies ...
THE PRESENT REALITY ... Church and Youth: change in approach suggested after Synod
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LENT 2019
The Pastoral Letter by the Bishops
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are a nation that loves the home. Rightly so, for marvellous stories are woven within its four walls: stories of delightful families, stories of great generosity; incredible stories of parents sacrificing everything for their children, particularly when a child has special needs; stories of heroism in the face of a grave illness.
Then there are homes where stories have been written that you wish never occurred: (elderly) parents abandoned by their children; open wounds inflicted by domestic violence or abuse; or heartbreak caused by a failed marriage. There are persons who even had to move because gossiping by neighbours became unbearable. Then there are homes stricken by abject poverty. There are homes where death has trod and plucked the life that had only just started to bloom like a rose.
In such situations, we recommend Saint Peter’s words to the crippled beggar at the Temple gate: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk!” (Acts 3:6). When we invite Jesus to enter our homes, his presence works wonders. This is what transpired when Jairus called Jesus to his home because his daughter was
seriously ill.
We are not surprised that there are people among us who think they are not worthy to receive Jesus in their homes. For there are many who assume that when Jesus walks in our street he passes us by! But the story of Zaccheus not only abundantly illustrates that Jesus also enters the home of the public sinner shunned by everyone, but he even invites himself in! Jesus does not enter because everything is in order, but rather order ensues once Jesus enters our dwelling! Christ died for us “while we still were sinners” (Rom 5:8). Hence Saint John writes, “we love because he first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). Commenting on this passage, Saint Augustine says that Christ, beauteous in loveliness surpassing the sons of men, loved us when we were foul and unlovely.
The spouses of Cana
To those who struggle to welcome Jesus in their home, we offer them this advice with love and humility: emulate the bride and bridegroom at Cana and do not be frightened to take Mary home. For wherever Mary goes, she takes Jesus with her. She helps us taste the goodness of the love that Christ has for everyone, but most especially for persons who are stunned to see their house “collapse” all around them.
The calamity that had nearly befallen the wedding party at Cana when the wine was running out, can also beset our homes when a serious crisis strikes: for example, when there is discord among siblings, when a parent loses employment, when a member of the family is stricken with drug addiction, when fidelity in marriage is dented, when the future of the family is on shaky ground, when religious practice dwindles down and thus it contributes to the collapse of the foundations of faith, and other challenges.
The serenity in our homes is put at risk when worrisome situations in the society we inhabit take hold and flourish, such as the erosion of trust in institutions, the lack of respect for human life from conception, poverty, destruction of the environment, corruption, and other issues.
It goes without saying that for us believers, the adverse issues afflicting our Church today, the siege mentality, the resistance to change as indicated by Pope Francis and scandalous examples, also find an echo in our homes.
Moments of trial
In such disquieting situations, we need to listen to the crucified Jesus repeating the invitation he made to John while indicating him to Mary: “Here is your mother”, and like John we take Mary home. Mary, then, points to Jesus and tells us: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). Pope Francis says that Mary in our homes “is not an optional accessory”, but willed by Jesus himself.
In the home of Nazareth, there might have been instances where Mary and Joseph did not immediately understand each other. We can also imagine that there might have also been disagreements between the parents and their son as when he was los in Jerusalem. For such reasons, Mary understands families going through moments of tension owing to discord between couples or between parents and their children.
The home of Nazareth is also familiar with crises of faith, because we were told that Mary, as well as Joseph, were at first confused by God’s demands of them. Hence, Mary’s place is also in homes where the occupants are going through the dark night of faith and thus are struggling with God.
When Mary spent three months living in Elizabeth’s house, who knows the many tales she heard from the elderly couple who spent their lives berated by people’s gossip because they could not have children. Mary understands couples who are facing difficulties to start a family.
In the stillness of her home, Mary learnt the high price of her maternity when she was told many times that her son Jesus is “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Mt 11:19), or when she overheard her neighbours declare that Jesus “has gone out of his mind” (Mk 3:21). In the light of these experiences, Mary understands parents whose children are slandered and insulted, and stands shoulder to shoulder with families tormented by illness and mental fatigue.
Mary, who accompanied her Son on the road to Calvary, knew full well of the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and the desertion of Jesus by his close friends and disciples. Thus she understands couples broken by betrayal and treachery.
Mary, who stood by the Cross, is close to families crucified by suffering.
Mary, who after the death of Jesus was behind closed doors with the Apostles in the Upper Room, comes to the aid of those who are, for one reason or another, housebound and cannot find the courage and hope in themselves to go forward.
The Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu
Last Wednesday we celebrated the beginning of Lent. Throughout this season, with the help of the Word of God, prayer, penance and acts of mercy, we prepare ourselves for the great feast of Easter. Just like Jesus rose from the dead on that day and went to meet his disciples who were gathered together behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jews, it is the greatest desire of our heart that this Easter Jesus enter and dwell in our homes. Just as Mary was present in the disciples’ home, let us not be fearful to take her with us, in our own homes, so that she will help us prepare for the visit of the Resurrected Christ.
We felt moved to put Mary front and centre before you today because this year we are commemorating the 400th anniversary of the painting of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. In 1883 Karmni Grima and Franġisk Portelli heard a voice coming from this very painting. On that day, Our Lady instructed Karmni to pray three Hail Marys in honour of the three days her body reposed in the tomb before she was assumed into Heaven body and soul. In other words, woven in the story of the National Sanctuary of Ta’ Pinu we find the events of the Easter of Christ and the Assumption of Mary. If this painting could speak, how many tales would it recount of the wonderful experiences of Easter that took place within the walls of so many of our homes! We are glad that the image of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu is found in so many homes, for where there is Mary, there is Jesus. And where there is Jesus there is life that overcomes death, the grace that frees from sin, the hope that lifts sadness, forgiveness that binds the wounds of the brokenhearted, the joy that banishes sorrow, the peace that ends all hostilities. When we remember that the Rosary is the prayer most precious to Mary, a prayer that leads us to meditate on Jesus, we invite all our families to pray this beautiful prayer often.
We cordially impart our pastoral blessing.
✠ Charles J. Scicluna ✠ Mario Grech
Archbishop of Malta Bishop of Gozo
Għeżież,
Aħna nies li nħobbu d‑dar. Dan bir‑raġun, għax bejn dawk l‑erba’ ħitan tad‑djar tagħna jintisġu stejjer meraviljużi: stejjer ta’ familji li fihom l‑għaxqa, stejjer ta’ ġenerożità kbira; stejjer li ma jitwemmnux meta tara ġenituri ssagrifikati għal uliedhom, speċjalment fejn ikun hemm xi wild bi ħtiġijiet speċjali; stejjer erojċi, bħal fejn hemm mard serju.
Imma mbagħad hemm djar fejn jinkitbu stejjer li tkun tixtieq li qatt ma seħħew, bħal fil‑każ ta’ ġenituri minsija minn uliedhom; bħal fejn hemm ġrieħi miftuħa minħabba l‑vjolenza domestika u l‑abbuż; jew bħal fejn hemm it‑tbatija li jġibu magħhom żwiġijiet imkissra. Hemm min saħansitra kellu jibdel daru għax ma setax jissaporti z‑zekzik tal‑ġirien. Hemm djar milquta sew mill‑faqar. Hemm djar fejn rifset il‑mewt u ħasdet ħajja li kienet għadha qed tiftaħ bħal warda.
F’ċirkustanzi bħal dawn aħna ntennulkom dak li San Pietru qal lill‑magħtub li kien ħdejn il‑bieb tat‑Tempju: “Fl‑isem ta’ Ġesù Kristu ta’ Nazaret, imxi!” (Atti 3:6). Meta nistiednu lil Ġesù jidħol fid‑dar tagħna, il‑preżenza tiegħu tagħmel il‑mirakli. Hekk ġara meta Ġajru sejjaħ lil Ġesù fid‑dar tiegħu għax bintu kienet marida serjament.
Ma narawhiex bi kbira li fostna jkun hemm min jaħseb li mhux den biżżejjed li Ġesù jidħol fid‑dar tiegħu. Hemm min jaħseb li meta Ġesù jgħaddi mit‑triq tagħna, jaqbiżna u jibqa’ għaddej! Imma l‑ġrajja ta’ Żakkew mhux biss turina li Ġesù jidħol ukoll fid‑dar ta’ midneb pubbliku mistkerrah minn kulħadd, imma li saħansitra Ġesù stess jistieden lilu nnifsu biex imur għandu. Ġesù ma jidħolx fid‑dar għax ikun hemm l‑ordni, imma jkun hemm l‑ordni fid‑dar wara li jidħol Ġesù! Kristu miet għalina meta aħna konna għadna midinbin (ara Rum 5:8). U kif jgħidilna San Ġwann, “aħna nħobbu, għax hu ħabbna l‑ewwel” (1 Ġw 4:19). Dwar dan, Santu Wistin jikkummenta li Kristu, li huwa l‑isbaħ fost ulied il‑bnedmin, miet għalina li konna koroh u mħawdin.
L‑għarajjes ta’ Kana
Lil dawk li jsibuha ftit bi tqila jilqgħu lil Ġesù d‑dar tagħhom, b’umiltà u mħabba nagħtuhom parir biex jagħmlu bħall‑għarajjes ta’ Kana: ma jibżgħux jieħdu għandhom lil Marija. Għax Marija tiġbed lil Ġesù warajha. Hija tgħinna nduqu t‑tjubija tal‑imħabba li Ġesù għandu lejn kulħadd, imma b’mod partikulari lejn dawk li ħabta u sabta jaraw id‑dar tagħhom ‘nieżla’.
Dak li kien ser jiġri f’Kana għax naqashom l‑inbid, fid‑djar tagħna jista’ jiġri meta tfaqqa’ xi kriżi serja, bħal meta l‑aħwa jiksruha ma’ xulxin, meta ġenitur isib ruħu bla xogħol, meta xi ħadd fil‑familja jiċċappas bid‑droga, meta tixxellef il‑fedeltà fiż‑żwieġ, meta l‑futur tal‑familja jiċċajpar, meta jibdew jitmermru l‑prattiċi reliġjużi u jċedu s‑sisien tal‑fidi, u sfidi oħra.
Is‑serenità fid‑djar tagħna tittiefes ukoll jekk fis‑soċjetà ta’ madwarna jkun hemm sitwazzjonijiet li jħassbuna, bħalma huwa t‑tnaqqir tal‑fiduċja fl‑istituzzjonijiet, in‑nuqqas ta’ rispett lejn il‑ħajja tal‑bniedem sa mill‑bidu nett tagħha fil‑ġuf, il‑faqar, il‑qerda tal‑ambjent, il‑korruzzjoni, u ħwejjeġ oħra.
Għalina li nemmnu, ma jistax jonqos li dawk l‑affarijiet negattivi fil‑Knisja, bħalma huma l‑għeluq, ir‑reżistenzi għat‑tiġdid indikat mill‑Papa Franġisku, u l‑eżempji ħżiena, ikollhom eku fid‑djar tagħna.
Il‑mumenti ta’ prova
F’mumenti inkwetanti bħal dawn għandna bżonn nisimgħu lil Ġesù msallab itennilna l‑istedina li għamel lil Ġwanni filwaqt li wrieh lil Marija: “Hawn hi Ommok”, u bħal Ġwanni nieħdu lil Marija d‑dar tagħna. Min‑naħa tagħha, Marija toffrilna t‑tweġiba għax tindikalna lil Ġesù u tgħidilna: “Agħmlu kulma jgħidilkom hu” (Ġw 2:5). Kif josserva l‑Papa Franġisku, li aħna nilqgħu lil Marija f’darna huwa t‑testment ta’ Ġesù.
Fid‑dar ta’ Nazaret mhux biss kien hemm mumenti fejn Marija u Ġużeppi ma fehmux lil xulxin mill‑ewwel, imma wkoll nuqqas ta’ qbil bejn il‑ġenituri u binhom bħal meta ntilef f’Ġerusalemm. Għalhekk, Marija tifhem lil dawk il‑familji fejn hemm it‑tensjonijiet bejn il‑koppja jew bejn il‑ġenituri u l‑ulied.
Id‑dar ta’ Nazaret taf xi tfisser kriżi ta’ fidi, għax kemm Marija u kemm Ġużeppi jitħawdu quddiem dak li Alla jitlob minnhom. Għaldaqstant, Marija għandha postha anki fid‑djar ta’ dawk li għaddejjin mil‑lejl mudlam tal‑fidi u qed jissaraw ma’ Alla.
Meta Marija għaddiet tliet xhur fid‑dar ta’ Eliżabetta, min jaf kemm semgħet rakkonti ta’ din il‑koppja anzjana li għaddiet ħajjitha fl‑għajb tan‑nies għax ma kellhiex tfal. Marija għalhekk tifhem lil dawk il‑koppji li għandhom diffikultà biex jibdew jibnu l‑familja.
Fil‑ħemda ta’ darha Marija tgħallmet xi prezz għoli switilha l‑maternità tagħha, bħal meta kien jaslilha li n‑nies kienu jgħajru lil binha Ġesù li huwa “wikkiel, sakranazz, ħabib tal‑pubblikani u l‑midinbin” (Mt 11:19), jew meta semgħet lill‑qraba jgħidu li Ġesù kien “tilef moħħu” (Mk 3:21). Fid‑dawl ta’ din l‑esperjenza, Marija tifhem lil dawk il‑ġenituri li wliedhom huma kkalunnjati u mgħajra, u hija solidali ma’ dawk il‑familji fejn hemm il‑mard jew l‑għeja mentali.
Marija, li sieħbet lil Binha fit‑triq tal‑Kalvarju, kienet taf bit‑tradiment ta’ Ġuda, biċ‑ċaħdiet ta’ Pietru, bl‑abbandun tad‑dixxipli. Għalhekk hija tifhem lil dawk il‑koppji u familji mkissra b’xi tradiment.
Marija, li baqgħet wieqfa ħdejn is‑salib, hija qrib il‑familji msallbin.
Marija, li wara l‑mewt ta’ Ġesù kienet miġbura mal‑Appostli magħluqa fiċ‑Ċenaklu, illum tassisti lil dawk li għal xi raġuni jew oħra jinsabu magħluqa f’darhom u ma għandhomx il‑ħila joħorġu u jittamaw.
Il‑Madonna Ta’ Pinu
Nhar l‑Erbgħa bdejna r‑Randan, żmien li matulu, bis‑smigħ tal‑Kelma ta’ Alla, it‑talb, il‑penitenza u l‑karità, aħna nitħejjew għall‑Għid il‑Kbir. Kif dakinhar li Ġesù qam mill‑mewt huwa mar fid‑dar jiltaqa’ mad‑dixxipli li kienu flimkien imbeżżgħa mil‑Lhud u bil‑bibien magħluqa, hekk hija xewqa kbira tagħna li f’dan l‑Għid il‑Kbir Ġesù jiġi joqgħod magħna fid‑djar tagħna. Imma kif dakinhar fid‑dar tad‑dixxipli kien hemm Marija, hekk ukoll illum ejjew ma nibżgħux nieħdu lil Marija għandna, biex hi tgħinna nitħejjew għal din iż‑żjara ta’ Kristu Rxoxt.
Ħassejna li għandna nqiegħdu quddiemkom lil Marija għaliex din is‑sena qegħdin infakkru l‑400 anniversarju tal‑kwadru tal‑Madonna Ta’ Pinu li minnu fl‑1883 hi sejħet lil Karmni Grima u Franġisk Portelli. Dakinhar il‑Madonna qalet lil Karmni biex tgħid tliet Ave Marijiet f’ġieħ it‑tlett ijiem li ġisimha dam fil‑qabar qabel ma ġiet imtellgħa s‑Sema bir‑ruħ u l‑ġisem. Fi kliem ieħor, fil‑ġrajja tas‑Santwarju Nazzjonali ta’ Pinu għandna rabta bejn l‑Għid ta’ Kristu u l‑Għid ta’ Marija. Li kieku dan il‑kwadru kellu jitkellem, min jaf kemm jirrakkontalna esperjenzi sbieħ tal‑Għid li seħħew bejn il‑ħitan ta’ ħafna mid‑djar tagħna! Napprezzaw li f’ħafna mid‑djar tagħna hemm xbieha tal‑Madonna Ta’ Pinu, għax fejn hemm Marija jkun hemm Ġesù. U fejn hemm Ġesù hemm il‑ħajja li tegħleb il‑mewt, il‑grazzja li teħles mid‑dnub, it‑tama li terfa’ min‑niket, il‑maħfra li tinfaxxa l‑miksur, il‑ferħ li jkeċċi d‑dwejjaq, is‑sliem li jtemm kull ġlied. Meta niftakru li r‑Rużarju huwa talba għal qalb Marija u b’riflessjonijiet dwar Ġesù, nistiednu lill‑familji tagħna biex jgħidu spiss din it‑talba sabiħa.
Nagħtukom il‑barka pastorali tagħna.
✠ Charles J. Scicluna ✠ Mario Grech
Arċisqof ta’ Malta Isqof ta’ Għawdex
Ittra Pastorali - RANDAN 2019 - Published on 17 Mar 2019 - LENT 2019 mill-E.T. Mons. Charles J. Scicluna, Arċisqof ta’ Malta, l-E.T. Mons. Mario Grech, Isqof ta’ Għawdex, u l-E.T. Mons. Joseph Galea-Curmi, Isqof Awżiljarju ta’ Malta
