As the sun dipped below the ancient walls of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna stood before a congregation of faithful, his voice echoing through the historic church. “Peace be with you,” he intoned, a sentiment that resonated far beyond the stone walls of this Valletta landmark. For in a world torn apart by conflict, the Archbishop’s message was a beacon of hope, a call to action that has echoed through the streets of Malta and beyond.

A World in Turmoil

The Archbishop’s plea for peace comes at a time when the global scene is marked by war and strife. From the Ukraine conflict to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the world seems to be teetering on the brink. Closer to home, the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, with Malta at its forefront, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these conflicts.

Malta, an island nation with a history steeped in conflict and refuge, has always been a place of sanctuary. It’s a heritage that Archbishop Scicluna is keen to uphold. “We are a people who have known war and displacement,” he says, “but we have also known peace and welcome. We must never forget our duty to be a beacon of hope.”

The Call to Action

The Archbishop’s call for peace is not just a plea for an end to conflict, but a call to action. He urges Maltese citizens to embrace the values of peace, understanding, and compassion in their daily lives. “Peace is not just the absence of war,” he says, “it is the presence of justice, the presence of love, the presence of understanding.”

This call to action has resonated with many Maltese. In the bustling streets of Republic Street, among the tourists and locals alike, there’s a sense of unity and purpose. “We might not be able to stop the wars,” says Maria, a local shopkeeper, “but we can certainly make our little corner of the world a more peaceful place.”

Peace in Action

In response to the Archbishop’s call, various initiatives have sprung up across Malta. From peace vigils at the Hal Far Open Centre, where many refugees first arrive, to interfaith dialogues in the quiet halls of the Mdina Cathedral, Maltese citizens are turning words into action.

At the heart of these initiatives is the belief that peace is not just a distant dream, but a practical reality that can be built one step at a time. As Archbishop Scicluna puts it, “Peace is not a gift we are given, it’s a gift we give to each other.”