‘A New Dawn’: Three Priests Ordained in Valletta’s Grand Basilica

As the sun cast its golden rays over the Grandmaster’s Palace, a sense of hope and renewal filled the air in Valletta. The historic city was abuzz with anticipation, not just for the usual tourists flocking to St. George’s Square, but for a more profound reason. The grand Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was preparing to welcome three new priests into the fold.

Ordination Day: A Milestone for the Church

The ordination ceremony, presided over by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, was a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in Malta. The three deacons, Matthew Attard, David Camilleri, and Jonathan Azzopardi, had spent years in formation, preparing for this very moment. Their journey was a testament to their faith and dedication, a journey that would now see them serving their communities as priests.

The Basilica, with its grand Baroque architecture and intricate artworks, provided a fitting backdrop for the solemn yet joyous occasion. The echoes of hymns and prayers filled the vast space, resonating with the faith of the congregation. Among the attendees were family, friends, and parishioners, all there to support and celebrate the ordination of their loved ones.

Ordained for Service: A Call to Action

In his homily, Archbishop Scicluna emphasized the importance of the priest’s role in today’s society. He reminded the newly ordained priests that they were called to serve, not to be served. “You are being ordained not for your own sake, but for the sake of the people of God,” he said. This call to service was a poignant reminder of the humility and selflessness required of a priest.

The Archbishop also highlighted the need for priests to be a beacon of hope in challenging times. “In a world that often seems devoid of hope, you are called to be a message of hope,” he said. This message was particularly resonant in the current climate, where the global pandemic has left many feeling isolated and uncertain.

: A New Chapter

Following the ordination, the three new priests will take up their appointments in parishes across Malta. Father Matthew Attard will serve at the Parish of St. George in Rabat, Father David Camilleri at the Parish of St. Mary in Birkirkara, and Father Jonathan Azzopardi at the Parish of St. Joseph in Msida.

As they embark on this new chapter, the newly ordained priests are filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. Father Attard expressed his gratitude for the support he had received, saying, “I am humbled by the outpouring of love and support from my family, friends, and parishioners. I look forward to serving the people of God in Rabat and beyond.”

For the Church in Malta, the ordination of these three priests is a message of hope and renewal. It is a reminder that despite the challenges and uncertainties of the world, there are those who are called to serve, to inspire, and to bring hope to others.