Archbishop Charles Scicluna has made a heartfelt appeal to the Maltese and Gozitan communities to embrace parenthood and act positively as the nation faces the lowest birth rate in Europe. Speaking during his Christmas message at Hospice Malta, formerly known as the Cini Institute, the Archbishop emphasized the importance of fostering hope for the future.
Christmas is traditionally seen as not only the celebration of Christ's birth but also as a reminder of the eternal nature of life. Archbishop Scicluna remarked, “Christmas is not merely a celebration of birth; it is a deep reminder of eternity.” By choosing the Hospice for his message, he highlighted the importance of care at every stage of life, connecting the historical significance of the site to the contemporary challenges facing families.
Originally, the Cini Institute served as both a pasta factory and, later, as a refuge for women and their children, symbolizing hope and protection for generations. “We are gathered here, not just to mark Christmas, but to reflect on life itself. This place is intended to maintain optimism as we navigate our earthly existence with the greatest aspiration,” Scicluna stated, highlighting the premise of raising awareness about the sanctity of life.
Addressing the pressing issue of Malta’s declining birthrate, he stated, “Let us remain open to the gift of life. Let us build a culture of hope for the future, for the generations yet to come, so our homes are filled with the blessing of children.” This call to action aims to inspire young couples to start families and build loving homes.
Recognizing the challenges many face, Archbishop Scicluna acknowledged, “I acknowledge not everyone can experience this blessing. I extend my deepest encouragement to those couples who choose adoption or fostering.” To him, the very essence of family is enriched by acts of love and commitment, whether through biological or adoptive means.
The Archbishop also emphasized the significance of palliative care as reflective of societal values, saying, “May the provision of palliative care stand as a beacon of hope, reflecting a society cherishing and upholding the dignity of life from its very inception to natural death.” This perspective urges the community to value all life stages and recognize the importance of compassionate care.
Looking forward, Scicluna shared insights about the upcoming Jubilee of Hope slated for 2025, emphasizing Pope Francis's vision of “a great feast of mercy.” By inviting the faithful to embody compassion and solidarity, he aims to create not just awareness, but actionable change, urging everyone to take part actively.
Ending his message, Scicluna extended greetings to Maltese emigrants, expressing gratitude for their endurance of 'Maltese values' abroad and encouraging them to contribute to the nation's future. “Let us give our nation a future, even by blessing it with children,” he concluded, reinforcing the notion of hope and collective responsibility for nurturing future generations.
