Holy Orders: A New Dawn for the Maltese Church

Under the resplendent dome of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a hush fell over the congregation as Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna intoned the ancient words of ordination. Three young men, their faces a mix of solemnity and anticipation, knelt before him. Today, they were not just parishioners, but candidates for the priesthood, ready to take their vows in the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta.

From Seminary to Cathedral

The journey to this moment had been a long one. For the past several years, these young men had studied and prayed at the seminary in Rabat, nestled in the quiet streets of this historic town. Now, they were about to step out into the world, not as students, but as priests, ready to serve the people of Malta and Gozo.

The cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, was filled to capacity. Families and friends had come from all over the islands to witness this rite of passage. The air was thick with incense and the hum of whispered prayers. The echoes of history seemed to resonate in the vaulted ceilings, a testament to the enduring spirit of faith in Malta.

Ordination: A Rite of Passage

The ordination ceremony is a complex and beautiful ritual, filled with symbolism and tradition. The candidates are called forth, one by one, to prostrate themselves before the altar, a sign of their humility and submission to God’s will. They then make their promises of celibacy, obedience, and service to the Church, their voices steady and clear.

Archbishop Scicluna anoints their hands with chrism, a sign of their new role as ministers of the sacraments. He places the paten and chalice into their hands, symbols of their duty to celebrate the Eucharist. Finally, he presents them with their stole and chasuble, the vestments of their new office.

A Message of Hope

In his homily, Archbishop Scicluna spoke of the need for priests in today’s world. “We live in a time of great change,” he said, “a time when many are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. As priests, you will be called to be shepherds, guides, and companions on this journey.”

He also acknowledged the challenges that the Church faces, both in Malta and around the world. “But remember,” he said, “Jesus did not call us to an easy task. He called us to follow him, to take up our cross and follow him. And he promised that he would be with us always, to the end of the world.”

The three new priests – Fr. Matthew Schembri, Fr. David Muscat, and Fr. Mark Attard – will now begin their ministry in parishes across Malta and Gozo. They will bring with them not just the sacraments and the teachings of the Church, but also a message of hope, a reminder that God is present in our midst, and that he calls us to serve him and our brothers and sisters.

As the ceremony ended and the congregation spilled out onto the cobbled streets of Valletta, there was a sense of joy and anticipation. The Church in Malta may face many challenges, but today, it was filled with hope. Today, it was filled with three new priests, ready to serve, ready to lead, ready to love.