Malta’s Christian Community: Spirituality Beyond Sunday
Spirituality Beyond Sunday: A Conversation with Malta’s Christian Community
In the heart of Valletta, near the bustling Republic Street, lies the Church of St. Catherine of Italy. On a typical weekday, you might find it quiet, save for the soft hum of a few visitors or the rustle of a priest’s robes. But look closer, and you’ll see something intriguing: a small group of people, not in prayer, but in discussion. This is not your average church gathering. This is ‘Spirituality Beyond Sunday’, a weekly meeting that’s challenging traditional notions of Christian spirituality in Malta.
From Mass to Meditation
Started by Father Mark Montebello, a charismatic priest with a penchant for challenging the status quo, ‘Spirituality Beyond Sunday’ is a space for open dialogue, meditation, and reflection. It’s a stark contrast to the traditional Maltese Sunday mass, where the focus is often on liturgy and doctrine. Here, the focus is on the individual’s spiritual journey, on questions, doubts, and personal growth.
“We’re not here to tell people what to believe,” says Father Montebello, “We’re here to help them find their own path, their own truth.” This approach is resonating with many Maltese. The group, which started with a handful of people, now attracts over fifty regular attendees, a mix of locals and expats, young and old.
Spirituality in the Digital Age
But ‘Spirituality Beyond Sunday’ isn’t just about the weekly meetings. It’s also about engaging with the modern world. The group has a vibrant online presence, with a Facebook page and a YouTube channel. They’ve hosted discussions on topics like ‘Faith in the Age of Social Media’ and ‘The Spirituality of Gaming’. They’ve even held a ‘Digital Detox’ retreat, encouraging participants to unplug from technology and reconnect with their spiritual selves.
This digital engagement is attracting a new generation of Maltese, those who grew up with smartphones and social media. “We’re not afraid of technology,” says Maria, a 25-year-old regular attendee. “We’re using it to reach out, to connect, to start conversations.”
But it’s not just about the new. It’s also about the old. The group often draws on Maltese history and culture, from the ancient megalithic temples to the traditional folk traditions. They’ve held meetings in the silent, ancient spaces of the Catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha, and they’ve explored the spiritual significance of Maltese folklore and traditions.
: A Spirituality for the 21st Century
So, what does the future hold for ‘Spirituality Beyond Sunday’? Father Montebello is optimistic. “We’re seeing a hunger for something more,” he says. “A hunger for meaning, for connection, for a spirituality that speaks to our lives today.”
And what about you, dear reader? Are you curious about this new kind of spirituality? Are you ready to explore, to question, to grow? Then why not join them? The next meeting is this Wednesday, at 7 PM, in the Church of St. Catherine of Italy. No need to dress up, no need to know all the answers. Just come as you are, with an open mind and an open heart.
