The Blessing of Families

Today we end another year as the church celebrates families – the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth. So I pray today for the families that have touched and enriched my life. First of all my own immediate family, especially my parents who are enjoying eternal rest. I thank them for instilling in us a strong sense of values, love for the church, forgiveness and tolerance and a loving childhood that I cherish every day of my life. I remember the many families I have met in New York, couples that I married, their babies I baptized, young people I helped through some rough stages in their lives. I remember the many families I served in Oregon, the many families I helped bring back to their church, the many good souls I buried, the many couples I counselled, their children I taught and inspired, and still more couples I married and babies I baptized and welcomed into the church community. I remember the many families in Malta, many of whom have grown into adults and many more have passed away. I remember the many children who used to be my altar-servers and are now parents and grand-parents. I remember and pray for the families who have touched my life and are still appreciating my love and commitment to them. I pray that on the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth they will continue to be role models for other families. And to those raising children, I pray that they will dedicate their lives by their example of Christian love and perseverance. May God bless all families in the New Year.

100 year old statue

This statue made of bronze was made by Antonio Sciortino and inaugurated exactly 100 years ago today, on December 30, 1917. Even though the date on the monument shows 1913, it was erected to coincide with the International Eucharistic Congress being held that year in Malta. It is a landmark that shows the Christian identity of Malta. Its strategic place is also very important as it is placed just before the entrance to the capital city of Valletta. The style of this statue was considered quite innovative for that time, as it distanced itself from the customary Baroque style and created a new approach to modern contemporary art, which later developed and is still developing in the Maltese islands. The 24^th Eucharistic Congress was led by Pope Pius X’s representative Domenico Ferrata, and was attended by 4 Cardinals and 53 bishops. The whole image represents Christ the King, but the striking figure of Malta, kneeling at His feet, shows her praying and admiring Christ the King. 

My childhood church

This is the church where my parents were married, where I was baptized on August 30, 1952, where all my siblings were baptized and received all our sacraments, and where I served hundreds of Masses as an altar-boy, even in Latin in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This is where I still occasionally celebrate Mass and do a Holy Hour most mornings, and of course it is very well taken care of by two enthusiastic young men who decorate it in a beautiful style, not only during the Christmas season, but also for other celebrations, including the feast of St Julian, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart, Easter, St Anthony and other seasonal feasts. 

I took these photos to show you just some of its classical touch that Chris Micallef and Niki Papagiorcopulo have done over the years. I am personally surprised by some of the artefacts they found hidden in the back rooms and sacristy. I also wanted to take a good photo of the extremes of Jesus’ life, with the birth and crucifixion which you can see in one of the photos, a foreshadowing of what was to happen to our Infant Child. 

Survival story of 2017

Jan and Jon Pascoe, very blessed and lucky to be alive.

California will remember this year for two catastrophic fires, one in October in Santa Rosa and north of San Francisco, and another one that started in early December and still not fully contained around Los Angeles, especially in Ventura County. But the saga of the Pascoe couple was the true survival story of the year. They were able to save their lives by spending 6 terrified hours in a neighbor’s swimming pool, slipping below the surface to avoid the flames and embers flying around. They would come up for air every few seconds, then slipping under the water again as the devastating wind-whipped storm destroyed their home, their entire neighborhood and very nearly cost their lives. After six hours in the pool, at daylight when the fire had died down, they got out of the pool, and covered in soot, they walked hand in hand, still shivering in the chilly 40 degree temperature, until they reached a Sheriff’s deputy, who described them as ‘two zombies covered with ash.’  

Jon and Jan Pascoe re-visiting the pool that saved their lives.

Jan is 65, a retired art teacher, and she borrowed some clothes, an oversized fisherman’s sweater that dwarfed her slender body and shoes from a friend. Jon, himself an artist borrowed some jeans and a denim shirt to appear more decently in front of people. The fire had killed 40 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. After the ordeal was over, the Pascoes stayed with a daughter in San Francisco, while the other daughter and her family traveled to meet them from Park City, Utah.  They eventually settled in a friend’s cottage in Healdsburg, where they will live until spring and another house is built. Jon and Jan are overwhelmed with grief – they lost many friends, their elderly cat and Jon lost 100 of his paintings. But they are alive, because of will-power, sheer courage and a swimming pool that saved their lives. 

The feel-good story of 2017

Bride-to-be Sarah Cummings turned homeless volunteer and philanthropist

One of the most touching stories of this year came from Indiana, where a couple called off their $30,000 wedding a week before their big day, which was supposed to be on July 15. However they were stuck with a non-refundable reception for 170 people, and what did the bride Sarah Cummins do? She invited the homeless from 4 local homeless shelters. They feasted on a meal consisting of bourbon meatballs, salmon, goat cheese, roasted garlic bruschetta and cake. The soirée was held Saturday at the Ritz Charles event center in Carmel, Indiana. Moreover her generosity inspired a local man to donate suits for the guests, and his tailor contributed a few more, while other local business donated dresses and accessories. 

Sarah with some of the guests who showed up for the homeless dinner

The July dinner included chicken, salmon and a wedding cake, and even a late night snack of pizza and drinks. Sarah, a Purdue University pharmacy student, made sure that a painful situation turned into a positive experience. She took a time of her life where she was really sad and kind of lost, and turned it into such a teachable moment for people who are less fortunate. She now volunteers for a center for homeless families in Indianapolis.

What I learn at Christmas time. . . .

Baby Jesus at the Vatican Basilica in Rome.

I learn about trust from St Joseph, as he trusted the Angel . .

I learn about patience from Mary, as she waited for the miracle of the Birth of Christ to be fulfilled in her. . . .

I learned about perseverance from the Three Kings, who continued their search of the newborn King of Kings . . . .

I learned about hospitality from the shepherds who visited Jesus and adored him in the cave of Bethlehem . . . .

I learned about joy from the Angels announcing “Joy to the world, and peace on earth” . . . .

I learned about working tirelessly from Santa Claus, working overtime these days . .

I learned about thoughtfulness and friendship from the many Christmas cards I received . . .

I learned about gratitude from the people who appreciate all my efforts in creating a loving community . . .

I learned about hope from our children waiting for their longest day of the year, Christmas Day.

I learn about sacrifice when people drive 6 miles, as far away as Mellieha to attend my Masses.....

I learned about love from the kindness and respect I receive from the families & friends I found here at Hilltop Gardens and Simblija Care Home......

I learned about peace when looking at the baby Jesus, the Prince of Peace . . . .

I learned about unity when I admire the Holy Family.....

Christmas with 12 Masses

Preaching at Naxxar parish Christmas morning

It was truly a unique experience for me celebrating 12 Masses over 3 days, between Saturday and Monday, but could not feel happier seeing the crowds attend overwhelmingly for each Mass. The attached photos are from my Mass at the parish in Naxxar and during the Christmas Eve Mass at Resurrection chapel at Hilltop Gardens with two girls Kim Falzon and Emma Zammit helping me out with the sermon, a beloved tradition in Malta when children deliver the message of Christmas.
I share now my Christmas greetings in 50 languages......

Arabic  - I'd Miilad Said Oua Sana Saida.

Argentinian Felices Pascuas y Feliz Año Nuevo.

Armenian - Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand.

Bohemian Vesele Vanoce.

The main altar at the same parish church in Naxxar

Bulgarian - Tchestita Koleda.

Chinese  - Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan.

Croatian  - Srecna Nova Godina I Srecan Bozic.

Czech  - Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok.

Danish - Glædelig Jul.

Dutch - Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar.

English  - Merry Christmas.

Estonian - Roomsaid joulupuhi ja onnerikast uut aast.

Finnish - Hyvaa joulua

French - Joyeux Noël.

German  - Froehliche Weihnachten.

Greek - Kala Christouyenna.

Hawaiian - Mele Kalikimaka.

Emma Zammit left and Kim Falzon right after the Christmas Eve Mass

Hindi - Shub Naya Baras.

Hungarian - Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket.

Icelandic  - Gledileg Jol.

Indonesian - Selamat Hari Natal.

Iraqi - Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah.

Irish - Nollaig Shona Dhuit.

Italian - Buon Natale.

Japanese - Meri Kurisumasu.

Korean - Sung Tan Chuk Ha.

Lithuanian - Linksmu Kaledu.

Malay - Selamat Hari Natal dan Tahun Baru.

Maltese - Il-Milied it-Tajjeb

Maori - Meri Kirihimete.

During the Christmas sermon at Resurrection chapel, Hilltop Gardens

Norwegian - God Jul.

Peru - Felices Fiestas.

Philippines – Maligayang Pasko at manibagong bagong taon.

Polish  - Wesotych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia.

Portuguese - Boas Festas.

Rumanian - Sarbatori Fericite.

Russian - S Rozhdestvom.

Serbia  - Hristos se rodi.

Samoan - La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou.

Slovak - Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok.

Slovene - Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto.

Spanish - Feliz Navidad.

'Glory to God and Peace on earth....'

Swedish - God Jul.

Tahitian - La Orana No Te Noere.

Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai.

Turkish - Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun.

U.K. - Happy Christmas.

Ukrainian - Srozhdestvom Kristovym.

Vietnamese - Chung Mung Giang Sinh.

Welsh  - Nadolig Llawen. 

A God-sent Christmas gift

They came to Malta in February this year, a Slovak couple with three young children. Radomir was starting a new career here and Zuzana was eager to start raising her family in a warmer climate on an island which made them very welcome. Very devout Catholics, they attend Mass daily and in late October they were looking for a Mass in early afternoon, between 4 and 5 pm. Not many churches or chapels celebrate Mass at that time, but after checking at quddies.com, they headed towards Hilltop Gardens where I celebrate daily Mass at 4:30 pm. They realized it was a Retirement Home, and the gate was closed, but they persisted and were let in, to attend the Mass in the chapel. However since all children were awake, they followed the Mass on the screen outside, and then received communion. After the whole congregation left, Zuzana asked me if I could hear her confession. Then Radomir followed, and then we exchanged greetings afterwards as I led them to the residential playroom, where the children enjoyed playing with the toys while I talked more with this gracious family. They told me about their involvement in a Slovak prayer group and Evangelization programs, and how they would love if I could occasionally say a private Mass for them. Two months have passed from that first encounter, and my life has been enriched to no end by their presence in my life. I have become their spiritual director and they have attended many of my Masses, arriving early enough so that the three children, Peter, Gabriel and Kristina can enjoy some playtime in their playroom.’

When I look back at this family, I realize how God really wanted me to meet them and become their family priest. It was truly providential that I met them, and I ask myself:

What if I never returned to Malta from the USA?

What if I was not appointed chaplain at Hilltop Gardens Resurrection chapel? 

What if they did not check the internet for an afternoon Mass? 

What if they turned and went back when they saw the gate locked? 

What if they went to another church that day? 

What if they did not ask to go to confession? 

What if I told them No and did not have time since I had communion calls for the bed ridden, which I do daily after Mass? 

What if I didn’t connect with them and talk to them more? 

What if I didn’t invite the children to the Playroom? 

What if I said No to celebrating Mass at their home? 

What if I was aloof and didn’t want to be bothered? 

Truly God plans our lives in a mysterious, beneficial and surprising way. We just have to be open to the graces when we meet some special people in our lives. Then our lives will never be the same. The presence of this family in our community is a God-sent Christmas gift.

A Blessed Christmas to everyone who reads my blog, or as they say in Slovak....Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok....and in Maltese...Il-Milied it-Tajjeb.

Mary

Blessed Mother by Sassoferrato

The focus of the Nativity these last few days turns to Mary, as she prepares to give birth to Jesus. We learn from her many virtues, but three in particular come to my mind.

Trust - we learn from her to trust more, as she trusted the Word of God coming through the Angel Gabriel, inviting her to be the Mother of our Savior. We learn to trust those around us, who are there to help us, inspire us, shelter us and protect us from trouble.

Tranquillity - we learn to take like peacefully and experience a tranquil approach to whatever life has in store for us. It was on a tranquil night that Mary gave birth in a poor stable in Bethlehem, and may we feel the same tranquillity when we bring Jesus again into our hearts and homes this Christmas.

Tolerance - we learn also from Mary the gift of tolerance, as she tolerated the Angel who surprised her with his appearance in her humble home of Nazareth. She even tolerated St Joseph in accepting him in her home as her husband, even though she had no relations with him, and he was not the natural father of Jesus. May we also tolerate those whom we cannot stand for some reason or another, and be patient with difficult people.

May Mary continue to be an inspiration for all of us throughout the New Year.

I saw Jesus.....and he was happy.

I saw Jesus happy, among the donkey and the cow in the stable, as well as the sheep that came to visit him. After 2000 years with them, he’s still not tired of being with them.

I saw Jesus happy among the shepherds. They smelled of dirty sheep wool, cow manure and straw, using a less than-edifying language, with no polite manners whatsoever. Yet Jesus was happy among them.

I saw Jesus happy to be living in a stable, dark, cold, small, humid. Yet we’re still unhappy in a warm house, air-conditioned in the summer, complete with a kitchen, living room, 3 TVs, two luxurious bathrooms with a jacuzzi, a microwave, dishwasher, swimming pool and two computers.

I saw Jesus happy to play with the shepherd’s children, running in fields, chasing the lambs, throwing stones in the lake. They were unkempt children, with runny noses, dirty fingernails, messy hair, unhealthy teeth. Yet Jesus was very happy with them.
I saw Jesus happy playing in the mud, colleting twigs and stones, building little camps and spending hours with his buddies, splashing each other with water from the creek. He had no Nintendo, no video games, no baseball bats or football helmets or hockey sticks. Yet Jesus was very happy.

I saw Jesus happy to be out in the open, in the fields, under the trees, in the mountains, by a lake, under the stars at night. And the children today say “I want to live in the city, with the machines, with the stores, with the noise, with the confusion.” Yet Jesus was happy with the simple way of life.

I saw Jesus happy when visiting friends, to talk, to pray, to eat, to drink together. No fancy Restaurants, no 4 course meals, no reservations needed. Yet he was happy to be with welcoming friends, enjoying fellowship.

I saw Jesus happy with having nothing. He was happy hanging out with his dad in his carpenter’s shop, fetching water for his mother, enjoying a quiet siesta every afternoon, without any blasting radios, racing cars whizzing by, or jumbo jets flying over. He was happy listening to the sound of nature, birds chirping, water trickling from a nearby stream, logs crackling over a fire.

I saw Jesus happy and very focused every time he prayed, at home and in the synagogue. Yet we always seem to be distracted, or find any excuse possible not to go to Church.

Let us try this Christmas to appreciate the simple things in life. Maybe if we look at things around us as Jesus did, we may start to show gratitude even for the ordinary things and events in our lives, especially those we tend to take for granted.

Happy Christmas to everyone!

Happy Christmas to you dear Jack, who have been motionless in bed for many years now. You won’t be able to attend the Midnight Mass, but I will be there to describe what is going on in church. And I want to assure you that Jesus every day leaves his manger to find some warmth in your own bed, to comfort you.

Happy Christmas to you dear Suzanna, who this year settled with your nice family in a new home. May you share your new-found joy and peace with neighbors and new friends and give thanks to God that someone special made you so welcome, appreciated and beloved. 
                                                                                                                                                        Happy Christmas to you Frankie, who will spend a fortune just to have fun with your friends on Christmas night. But staying away from the church will leave a sense of emptiness in your life, as you miss out on the spirit of a true Christian celebration.

Happy Christmas to you Catherine, who plans to get married on December 26. I hope you find time to look deep into the cave at Bethlehem and remember when God married humanity.

Happy Christmas to you Rosanne, who just a month ago signed your separation papers from your husband who left you for another girl. You may feel lonely this festive season, but remember that this is exactly what happened to Jesus when the door was slammed shut in his face at the Inn.

Happy Christmas to you Christopher, who lives at a Nursing Home, where you slumber with Christmas Carols and remember your many childhood memories, and wonder if this would be your last Christmas here on earth.

Happy Christmas to you Antoinette, who at 20 years already feel like you’re 85, and recently you vowed you will never go to church or confession ever again. I hope you can spend a few minutes in front of the Nativity and there re-kindle in your heart the memories of your childhood, memories of peace and joy, memories of belonging and family spirit.

Happy Christmas to you dear Doreen, who just this year discovered your faith again and realized how much God loves you. May you inspire other people to follow your example and walk the same journey you walked to find yourself in His presence.

Happy Christmas to you Simon, who are in prison, all alone and no one visits you anymore, because of the mess you made of your life. But I hope that at least you can find some inner peace.

And Happy Christmas to you little Bethany, who at 5 years old are so happy with your parents and younger baby brothers, ready to celebrate a joy-filled day on December 25.

Happy Christmas to you Mohamed too, who this year will celebrate Christmas as a refugee, away from home, something Jesus can relate to, as he wandered in Egypt for two years and then was not even welcome in his own home town. I hope someone will open their door for you and treat you as a human being.

Happy Christmas to you dear Abby, for whom this Christmas is even more meaningful because you just had a baby of your own. May you look at your baby’s face and see the face of Christ.

Happy Christmas to you Todd who this year will be away from home, fighting a senseless war, away from your family and dear friends. I pray that you stay safe and hope that next Christmas you can be closer to home with your loved ones.

Happy Christmas to you dear Emily who this year will spend this day in hospital as a nurse, comforting the sick patients, giving medicine, feeding them and caring for them – something which will certainly bring you great joy and contentment, by giving the same to others.

Happy Christmas to you dear Billy who spend hours in front of your computer and playing with your cell-phone while sending constant messages. May you find time to communicate with your loved ones by speaking, talking and listening to them, face to face.

Happy Christmas to everyone, to those who are filled with joy and those who are suffering; to the wealthy and to the poor; to the straight and to the gay; to the believer and the atheist; to the lonely as well as those surrounded by friends. I want you to realize that that little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, once you get to know Him, you cannot survive without Him. I want you to know that distant from Him, you will get even lonelier, but close to Him, you will be getting close to Heaven.

I saw Baby Jesus......

I saw Baby Jesus today in the poor boy, hungry, shivering with cold, yearning for a simple smile, which he will never see.

I saw Baby Jesus in the young man who is afraid of the world around him, because his friends keep making fun of him, ignore him and are constantly bullying him.

I saw Baby Jesus in the woman who’s been abandoned by her husband, with three young children to take care of, and keeps hoping she can find someone who treats her with love, kindness and respect.

I saw Baby Jesus in the elderly woman in bed in her Nursing Home, waiting eagerly for one of her 12 children to come to visit her.

I saw Baby Jesus in the man who has not been speaking to his sister, because of an argument that arose when their mother died, and drifted apart because of what she wrote in her will.

I saw Baby Jesus in that hard-working employee who has been ignored by his Boss, who does not recognize his sterling work ethic and dedication, while other lazy workers show no commitment to their work, and still get recognized.

I saw Baby Jesus in that refugee from Africa who is constantly being ridiculed because of his skin color, while he works tirelessly to earn some money to support his family.

I saw Baby Jesus in that young girl who became pregnant, and is not sure whether to commit an abortion or continues with the pregnancy, until she found a kind family who will shelter her until she gives birth to her baby.

I saw Baby Jesus in that priest and nun in far away mission countries, helping orphans and the suffering, the lonely and the sad, the poor and those searching for love.

I saw Baby Jesus in the many parishioners of good will, devoted Christians, family oriented and committed to their faith. 

Christmas Lights

Christmas is the season of hope, joy and love. It is also the season of lights. The biggest light came into the world through the person of Jesus. Displays of light are very common during the month of December. Streets in Malta are well decorated with festoons and strings of lights that shape stars, angels, and other ornaments. Then there is Republic Street in the capital city of Valletta. This year it a fascinating display that is beyond belief. Since Valletta is designated to be the Culture capital of Europe in 2018, a great effort has been made to restore the old capital into a gem, which it always has been. 

But the lights this year have added that extra attraction as you can see from these few photos. There is a huge dome with fading lights that is truly a work of art. One has to see this display in person to really absorb its beauty, but at least these photos are the best alternative. Please do click on each photo to get a better image.

Christmas in Malta - part 2

The Joy Gospel Singers presenting a Christmas Concert

Christmas offers a splendid occasion for family gatherings. In most houses an attractively decorated Christmas tree is put up beneath which are placed the various presents wrapped in colorful paper. Christmas pudding (il-pudina tal-Milied) and turkey dinner (id-dundjan) became popular during the first and second world wars when thousands of sailors and soldiers from the British Empire were stationed in Malta. The Island was a military and naval base for the allies. Prior to these wars a rooster (serduq), rather than turkey, was the bird to be served at Christmas dinner. The traditional Christmas banquet normally includes the delicious Maltese dish called timpana, backed macaroni covered with crusty pastry. A special kind of honey-and treacle rings (qaghaq tal-ghasel) are eaten during the Christmas festivities.
An old tradition that survived up to this day is the sowing of wheat, grain, canary seed and vetch (gulbiena) on clots of cotton in flat pans four weeks before Christmas and nurtured in the darkness of cupboards in the kitchen. These seeds shoot up and remain as white as Santa’s beard. They are then placed next to the infant Jesus and around the crib. They need little water, and they remain very white if kept in darkness. Exposed to the light, they start turning a little green, but they still add a decorative effect.
A custom which unfortunately vanished many years ago was the playing of bagpipes (iz-zaqq). They characterized the music of the shepherds who tended their flock on Christmas night. The midnight Mass is very popular among the Maltese, and choirs rehearse constantly for their participation. Pageants and plays about the nativity are also quite popular. Many concerts and recitals are held in churches and other public places. The Christmas season ends around January 6th, the feast of the Epiphany, and that’s when all the decorations are finally taken down. A huge fund-raising event is held nationwide on December 26th, raising funds for needy cases, an event shown live on all TV Stations.
I can tell you that after being away for 35 years, the decorations in streets and squares have increased immensely, while the number of cribs or presepios have multiplied to no end. There are so many crafty enthusiasts who create beautiful scenes out of every imaginable material. Usually everything is destroyed after Christmas and another display is created next year, with even more imaginative ideas.

Christmas in Malta - part 1

A typical hand-made Maltese nativity or presepio

Christmas is a feast of peace and goodwill to all humans. Christmas is Christmas everywhere, but there are certain characteristics that make Maltese Christmas different from that of many other countries.
The streets of towns and villages are decorated and lit with multicolored lights (festuni). Shop windows display the usual Christmas decorations and a large variety of toys and presents to lure Christmas shoppers who jam the streets. Christmas trees (is-sigra tal-Milied) and the figure of Santa Claus (called Father Christmas here) are seen all over the place. The main feature, which is a typically Maltese tradition, is the number of cribs (presepji) that can be seen in public places and in private homes, and of course in churches, band clubs and other centers.
The first Maltese crib we know of is that found at the Benedictine Nuns in Mdina and bears on its framework the year 1826. The main characters in the crib are naturally Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus together with the cow, the donkey and the sheep; and the three Kings who came to visit the new born baby bearing gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold. However many people display just the baby Jesus sitting on a rock or sleeping. An incredible display of baby Jesuses is found in an all-year round Museum in Birkirkara with hundreds of images, some of which are a few hundred years old. 

Traditionally, the crib figurines (pasturi) were made of clay. Apart from the principal figures they include shepherds minding their flock, street singers, the shepherd's pipe and drum players, a farmer feeding the animals, fishermen, hunters, woman carrying a flour sack, the sleeping man and the man sprawling on his stomach and perched on top of the grotto looking down at Baby Jesus. These fragile penny clay figurines were easily acquired few years ago. Nowadays modern plastic figurines are more commonly found in the Maltese family crib. Many crafty enthusiasts prepare quite an elaborate display of the town of Bethlehem, and are usually on display throughout the month of December .
The tradition of building cribs in churches and homes began in the 13th century by the Franciscan friars. St Francis of Assisi is said to have created the first live nativity with a real baby for Jesus. The tradition of the Christmas tree and Christmas cards (il-kartolini tal-Milied) was imported from Germany in the 19th century.
Nearly in every town and village a procession is held on Christmas Eve with children carrying a small statue of baby Jesus and singing Christmas carols along the way. In every parish church in Malta and Gozo during midnight Mass a small child, dressed as an altar-server, recites a sermon narrating the birth of Christ. Recently a boy and a girl alternate the sermon, memorized to perfection. In my chapel, last year I had two boys, and this year I have 2 girls alternating with me the sermon.

More Christmas art from Malta

Nativity by Giuseppe Cali at Lija parish church

Here are two more paintings from churches in Malta relating to Christmas. The first painting is by Giuseppe Cali and it shows the Nativity of our Lord in the Lija parish dome. Many people unfortunately cannot appreciate it since it so high up and frequently it’s darkened. But I was able to zoom into the scene of the birth of Christ to capture its beauty. Two anecdotes about this painting deserve a mention. Not seen in this section is a basket with oranges, which one of the shepherds presented to Jesus. Lija is known for its good oranges. Then the parish priest who was at the parish when the painting was commissioned was not quick in paying the artist, and so Cali wrote in another section ‘Ho fame’ which in Italian means ‘I am hungry.’

Nativity apse by Emvin Cremona at Msida parish

The second painting shows part of the ceiling of the Msida parish church done by Emvin Cremona, again showing the Nativity. The church ceiling was commissioned to another artist Anton Inglott, who had just finished the apse, showing the death of St Joseph, but he died suddenly at a young age. Then they asked his friend Cremona who finished the entire church ceiling and apses. He was still young at that time and his style had not matured fully, but still one can see a beautiful rendition of what happened in the cave of Bethlehem, with Mary surrounded by at least 17 angels, besides others in the background. St Joseph kneels next to Mary who holds baby Jesus for everyone to admire and adore.

The White Stocking

It wasn't that anyone had really been forgotten, no children had been slighted or made unhappy and no adult had been left unremembered. The presents had all been distributed and all the stockings were beautifully filled, all that is except one; it was the stocking intended for the child of Bethlehem. Of all the people belonging at that Christmas gathering, only He had been forgotten. Only he had been left out of the festivities. This didn't seem quite right, inasmuch as it was His birthday that was being celebrated. 

Make sure that this year, the little white stocking will be hung in a special place in your home. On Christmas Eve, make sure to gather the family together and each member will write on a piece of paper, a gift for Jesus to be placed in the stocking.
It will remain in the stocking until next year's Christmas Eve, when everyone will reach into the stocking, and then pass out the papers from the year before. We hope that you will enjoy beginning this holiday tradition in your home. Your gift could include: personal goals you wish to achieve, family goals, ways you will be of service to others in the coming year, faults you want to eliminate from your life, or relationships you wish to improve, an occasional phone-call to grandparents, a nice e-mail to someone you admire, a simple compliment or words of thanks or praise.

The Christmas pageant

I share with you a serious, yet funny but very real story that happens in many churches and schools at this time of the year. A mother of a few children told this story.....
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His Word as my guide. God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.
We now had four children, and the oldest was only 4 years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, “if you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella." I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs... I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him. I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.

I tried to be understanding when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs. When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess. In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children. While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother (I didn't even come close), I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. that's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama -mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur." The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of Gold, Common sense and fur." "My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

Saint Lucy

Saint Lucy lived in Sicily in the 4th century and was known for her kindness and generosity, although as with many saints, she had a tragic history. According to legend, she sailed from Italy to Sweden during a famine on a ship laden with gifts of food and drink and promised the return of the light, spring, and abundance. In turn, the grateful Swedes took up the practice of celebrating her feast day, creating their own traditions along the way.

On the morning of December 13, the eldest daughter of the household rises early and dons the dress of the "Lusibrud (Lucy bride)," white robes with lace trimmings and a red sash and a special crown of ligonberry twigs and holly adorned with white candles. (In the past the candles were lit, but due to safety concerns, the candles are now battery‑powered.) She walks around to each member of the family with a pot of coffee and a tray of gingerbread cookies and Lussekattor ("Lucy cats," saffron buns) while singing. The younger daughters carry lit candles and the sons accompany them, dressed as "star boys," male helpers of the saint in white pyjamas and hats with a gold star. In some villages, the Lucy bride went from house to house and bonfires were lit as "Lucy fires" into which incense was tossed for good fortune.

St Lucy herself was from Siracusa, Sicily and was forced into prostitution after she refused to marry a pagan, mostly forced on her by her mother. The Emperor punished her by sending her to prostitution, but when they came to carry her, they found her as heavy as a mountain. Then they started to torture her, eventually even plucking her eyes, which were beautiful. She had also predicted the end of the persecutions, which actually came to an end 9 years after her death in 313 AD.  Saint Lucy is the patron Saint of those suffering from eye ailments, like cataracts or glaucoma.

Just today I was asked to celebrate Mass at a small chapel dedicated to Saint Lucy at Naxxar, and as is customary, it was dressed up in its finest outfit with decorations and 6 statuettes of 6 female martyrs, St Philomena, St Cecilia, St Lucy, St Agatha, St Agnes and St Catherine.

Chapel of St Lucy, Naxxar, Malta