Malta’s Spiritual Oasis: A Monk’s Journey to Stillness
Silent Retreat: A Maltese Monk’s Journey to Stillness
In the heart of Rabat, Malta, nestled between the bustling streets and historic sites, lies the ancient Augustinian Monastery. Here, Brother Joseph, a man of quiet demeanor and profound spirituality, has found his calling. His journey, however, was not always one of stillness and peace. It was a search, a quest for the ‘resting waters’ that Christian spirituality promises.
From the City’s Hustle to the Monastery’s Hush
Brother Joseph was not always a monk. Born and raised in the vibrant town of Birkirkara, he was a man of the world, a businessman who thrived in the city’s constant hum. Yet, amidst the noise and chaos, he felt an emptiness, a longing for something more. He began to seek, to question, to explore the depths of his faith.
His journey took him to the Augustinian Monastery in Rabat. Here, he found not just a place of worship, but a sanctuary of silence and reflection. The monastery, with its stone walls and ancient arches, offered a stark contrast to the city’s bustle. It was here that Brother Joseph began to understand the true meaning of Christian spirituality – not as a set of rules or rituals, but as a path to inner peace and stillness.
Searching for Resting Waters: The Practice of Silence
For Brother Joseph, the search for ‘resting waters’ was a journey into silence. In the monastery, he found not just quiet, but a profound stillness that allowed him to connect with his inner self and with God. This practice of silence, he believes, is the key to true Christian spirituality. It is in the silence that we can hear the whispers of the divine, the voice that speaks not with words, but with peace and understanding.
Brother Joseph’s journey is not unique. Many Maltese, drawn by the island’s rich spiritual heritage, are seeking similar paths. From the ancient catacombs of Rabat to the serene chapels of Mdina, from the silent retreats of the Salesians in Sliema to the contemplative spaces of the Dominicans in Santa Venera, Maltese are finding their own ways to the ‘resting waters’.
Finding Rest in the Midst of Life
Brother Joseph’s story is a reminder that the search for spiritual rest is not an escape from life, but a way to live life more fully. It is about finding balance, about creating spaces of silence and stillness amidst the noise and chaos. It is about understanding that the ‘resting waters’ are not a destination, but a journey, a practice that we cultivate every day.
As Brother Joseph puts it, “Spirituality is not about adding more to our lives, but about subtracting, about letting go. It is about finding the stillness within, the peace that passes all understanding. And that, my friends, is the true essence of Christian spirituality.”
