Ordination in Valletta: A Beacon of Hope for the Church

As the sun cast a golden glow over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, three young men knelt before Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, ready to embark on a new chapter of their lives. The Church in Malta welcomed three new priests on a bright, hopeful morning in the heart of the capital.

From Seminarians to Shepherds

The ordination ceremony, held at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Valletta, marked the culmination of years of study and spiritual formation for the three seminarians. Fr. Martin Azzopardi, Fr. Matthew Azzopardi, and Fr. David Muscat, all in their late twenties, have answered the call to serve God and His people.

Archbishop Scicluna, in his homily, emphasized the importance of the new priests’ role in guiding the faithful. “You are not just becoming priests,” he said, “but shepherds, called to lead God’s people with love, compassion, and wisdom.”

A Glimpse into the Future of the Church

The ordination of these three priests offers a glimpse into the future of the Church in Malta. They bring with them a fresh perspective, a deep sense of faith, and a commitment to serve the community. Fr. Martin, for instance, has a background in social work, while Fr. Matthew has a degree in psychology. Fr. David, meanwhile, has a passion for youth ministry.

Speaking to Hot Malta, Fr. Martin shared his excitement and humility. “It’s a great responsibility, but also a great joy,” he said. “I look forward to serving the people of Malta, especially those who are marginalized and in need.”

Ordination in the Time of COVID-19

The ordination ceremony was a testament to the resilience of the Church in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Church has continued to minister to the faithful, adapting to new norms and finding innovative ways to reach out to the community.

Masks and social distancing were observed during the ceremony, but the spirit of joy and hope was undiminished. The ordination was also live-streamed, allowing those who could not attend to participate virtually.

As the new priests celebrated their first Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Birkirkara, they were greeted by a sea of faces, young and old, all eager to welcome them into their parish communities.