Two Maltese traditions

There are two Maltese traditions connected to Christmas which take place on Christmas Eve. The first one is a procession with the manger of Baby Jesus held throughout the streets of most parishes, ending in the parish church. A small band playing carols and Christmas hymns accompany the children, 4 of whom carry the manger. Lanterns and candles are also part of the festive procession. Once inside the church, some children are chosen to preach a brief sermon on the Christmas story. It could be one child, or in some cases two, while I was able to get three siblings this year to help in the homily, answering a few questions about their participation and preparation for Christmas. In the past it was always an altar boy dressed in his cassock and surplice to deliver the Christmas sermon, always held just before the midnight Mass.

In my chapel with Thomas, Jeremy, and Sophie Zammit.

Well, I’m not fond of midnight Masses, and besides, I have to celebrate three evening Masses and three morning Masses on Christmas. So the Masses are at 5 PM, 7 PM and 8:30PM, with the morning Masses at 7 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM. So between 10 PM on Christmas Eve and 5 AM, I try to get some sleep. Many other traditions are becoming more popular in Malta, like a big meal hosted by the church for those who spend Christmas alone, and a huge fund-raiser on December 26 for charity and a foundation to help sick children who need special care abroad.