Three New Faces of Hope: Ordination in Valletta

Under the resplendent dome of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a hush fell over the congregation as Archbishop Charles Scicluna intoned the age-old words of ordination. The date was May 29, 2022, and the occasion was the ordination of three new priests for the Archdiocese of Malta. In a time of global uncertainty, this event served as a beacon of hope and continuity for the Catholic community.

Meet the New Priests

The three ordinands were no strangers to the Maltese community. Fr. Mark Azzopardi, Fr. David Muscat, and Fr. Matthew Schembri had all grown up in Malta, their paths intersecting at the seminary and now converging at this pivotal moment. Each brought his unique story and experiences to the altar.

Fr. Mark, a native of Birkirkara, had worked in the finance sector before answering the call to the priesthood. Fr. David, from Msida, had studied architecture and worked in the field before entering the seminary. Fr. Matthew, from Żebbuġ, had a background in education and youth ministry. Their diverse experiences enriched their understanding of the people they would now serve.

Ordination: A Rite of Passage

The ordination ceremony was a visual feast, a mix centuries-old tradition and modern relevance. The cathedral, a masterpiece of Maltese Baroque, was filled with the scent of incense and the echoes of Gregorian chants. The ordinands, dressed in white albs, knelt before the archbishop, their faces a mix of solemnity and anticipation.

The rite of ordination is a profound moment. The laying on of hands, the anointing with chrism, the presentation of the paten and chalice – each action symbolized the conferral of priestly powers and responsibilities. The new priests would now celebrate the Eucharist, forgive sins in the name of the Church, and serve as spiritual leaders in their communities.

: A Message of Hope

In his homily, Archbishop Scicluna spoke of hope. He reminded the congregation that the Church, like Malta, was a community of hope. Despite challenges and uncertainties, the Church continued to ordain new priests, to look to the future with faith and optimism.

Fr. Mark, Fr. David, and Fr. Matthew will now serve in parishes across Malta. They bring with them not just their unique experiences and perspectives, but also a message of hope. Hope that the Church will continue to thrive, that faith will be passed on to future generations, and that the spiritual needs of the community will be met.

As Fr. Matthew put it, “We are not just starting a new job, but embarking on a new way of life. A life dedicated to serving God and His people. We are here to bring hope, to remind people that God is with them, especially in their darkest moments.”

And so, under the watchful eyes of the cathedral’s grand masters and saints, three new priests were ordained. Their ordination was a message of hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Church and the resilience of the Maltese community.