Malta Turns Out to Welcome Pope

VALLETTA, Malta, May 9, 01 (CWNews.com/Fides) - Thousands of Maltese Catholics turned out for the visit of Pope John Paul II this week-- a national holiday had been declared for the tiny Catholic island nation-- including hundreds of school children who chanted, "Peter, you strengthen our faith. We love you," as the Pope arrived. This was the second visit by the Holy Father. The first was in 1990.

Father John Abela OFM, a Maltese Franciscan in charge of communications for the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land and the Franciscan province of Malta, spoke of the joy with which his people greeted the Pontiff, "The three Maltese whom the Pope beatified this morning are a great testimony for our youth. They are an indelible mark that the Pope leaves on the hearts of the people of Malta." He added, "Malta welcomed John Paul II with all its Mediterranean warmth. The whole island turned out: this morning attending the Mass, there were an estimated 200,000, out of a population of 350,000! We breathed a sigh of relief: the Pope look tired but happy, despite the tension of the journey in Greece and Syria."

Father Abela recalled, "Catholicism in Malta is fervent and deeply rooted: it is an example in this world of ours ruined by consumerism and secularization. This morning, the Pope told us that we must take up the arms of the faith to meet the challenges of the present day."

Father Abela set up a web site to follow this particular papal pilgrimage in real time at (http://www.custodia.org/pope2/). He also made available the papal speeches, photos, comments, and other information about the pilgrimage. "I see this as a missionary service" said Father Abela. "People who might not follow Church events on other media may be attracted by seeing it on the Internet."

Missionary spirit is strong among Maltese Catholics. "We have always been very aware of the situation in the rest of the world. Inspired by their faith, Maltese Catholics have left the island to evangelize others," he said. "The Pope's visit is an encouragement to continue in our missionary commitment. The Institute founded by Father George Preca, one of the three Servants of God beatified this morning, has members engaged in catechism for children in various parts of the world. Moreover, Malta has hundreds of priests, brothers, nuns, and lay people on mission in other countries."

Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
9. mai 2001