Three New Priests Bring Hope to Maltese Church
Three New Faces of Hope: Ordination in Valletta’s Grand Basilica
As the sun cast a golden glow over the Grandmaster’s Palace, the grandeur of St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta was amplified on a recent Sunday. The reason? Three young men, hailing from different corners of Malta, were about to embark on a new journey as they were ordained priests in a moving ceremony that echoed through the historic streets.
From Żurrieq to Zebbug: The Local Connection
The three newly ordained priests, Rev. Dr. Matthew Attard, Rev. Dr. David Attard, and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Azzopardi, each bring a unique perspective to the Maltese Church, with their roots deeply embedded in local communities. Rev. Dr. Matthew Attard, hailing from Żurrieq, brings a sense of rural resilience, while Rev. Dr. David Attard, from Zebbug, embodies the spirit of Malta’s traditional towns. Rev. Dr. Jonathan Azzopardi, a resident of Msida, represents the vibrant energy of Malta’s urban centers.
A Message of Hope in Challenging Times
The ordination ceremony, presided over by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, was a beacon of hope in these challenging times. The three new priests, with their diverse backgrounds and experiences, symbolize the Church’s commitment to serving the Maltese people, especially during these rare times.
“Today, we celebrate not just an ordination, but a message of hope,” Archbishop Scicluna said during the ceremony. “These three young men, with their unique stories and backgrounds, embody the Church’s commitment to serving the people of Malta, especially those most in need.”
Ordination in the Time of COVID-19
The ordination ceremony was a testament to the Church’s adaptability in the face of adversity. With strict COVID-19 protocols in place, including social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing, the ceremony was a poignant reminder of the Church’s resilience and commitment to the community.
“This ordination is a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity,” said Rev. Dr. Matthew Attard. “We are called to serve the people of Malta, especially those most affected by the pandemic, with compassion, understanding, and love.”
The Road Ahead: A New Chapter for the Maltese Church
The ordination of these three priests marks a new chapter in the Maltese Church’s history. As the Church continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, these new priests bring a renewed sense of energy, hope, and commitment to serving the people of Malta.
“We are excited about the future,” said Rev. Dr. David Attard. “We are ready to serve the people of Malta, to listen to their stories, and to bring them the hope and love of Christ.”
As the ceremony concluded, the three new priests processed out of the cathedral, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the historic streets of Valletta. It was a moment of pride, not just for their families and communities, but for the entire Maltese nation. A moment that symbolized hope, resilience, and a bright future for the Church and the people of Malta.
