Malta’s Historic Call: ‘Lift Up Your Hearts’

In the heart of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, the sun casts a golden glow over the grand façade of St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Unbeknownst to the passersby, a secret lies within its ornate walls. It’s not a hidden treasure or a forgotten artifact, but a phrase that has echoed through its halls for centuries: ‘Lift up your hearts’.

This ancient liturgical call, ‘Sursum Corda’ in Latin, is a reminder for the faithful to raise their hearts and minds towards God. It’s a call that resonates not just in St. John’s, but in countless churches scattered across Malta’s seven hills and beyond.

To understand the significance of ‘Lift up your hearts’ in Malta, one must look the island’s rich religious history. Malta’s conversion to Christianity in the 6th century brought with it a wave of devotion that has since become an integral part of Maltese culture. The phrase, first used in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, has been a constant in Maltese liturgy ever since.

Father Mark Sultana, a Maltese priest and historian, explains, “The phrase ‘Lift up your hearts’ is more than just a call to prayer. It’s a call to unity, to raise our spirits together as one community.” He points out that this unity is evident in Malta’s numerous churches, each a testament to the island’s collective faith.

Today, ‘Lift up your hearts’ continues to echo in Malta’s churches, from the grandeur of St. John’s to the humble parish churches in rural villages. It’s a call that transcends language barriers, resonating in Maltese, English, and Italian services alike.

For many Maltese, the phrase holds personal significance. Maria, a devout grandmother from Birkirkara, shares, “Every time I hear ‘Lift up your hearts’, I feel a sense of peace. It’s like a reminder to pause, to reflect, and to give thanks.”

In recent years, the phrase has also found its way into Malta’s cultural exports. It’s a line in the popular Maltese song ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, a testament to its enduring relevance.

As Malta continues to evolve, the call to ‘Lift up your hearts’ remains steadfast. It’s a call that unites generations, transcends languages, and echoes through the centuries. It’s a call that reminds us to pause, to reflect, and to give thanks.

Father Mark Sultana concludes, “The phrase ‘Lift up your hearts’ is not just a call from the past. It’s a call for the present and the future. It’s a call to lift up not just our hearts, but also our hands, our minds, and our spirits, together.”