Some were left disappointed on Christmas Eve as they were refused entry into midnight Mass at St John's Cathedral, in Valletta.
It has become a tradition for the Office of the President to organise midnight Mass on December 24. This year, however, tickets were being sold for those wanting to attend Mass, with the entrance pass, valued at €12, including breakfast at the palace in Valletta, with all funds in aid of The Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF).
However, many were those who only intended to attend Mass, and were not interested in the event which followed.
Sources who spoke to The Malta Independent expressed their disappointment at having missed midnight Mass after they were denied entry.
"Since when has the house of God and the presidential palace become restaurants to serve only those who knew about it and could afford it?" one woman asked.
According to sources, one tourist from Germany, who was expecting to be let in, stood in the doorway shouting, "Is this the house of God or the house of money?"
In an effort to calm down the situation, one monsignor tried to explain that the church was only doing this as an act of charity towards MCCF. Sources however said that although they are firm believers in charity, the house of God should accept all, not only those who can afford it.
It seems however, that it was not the initial plan to refuse people wanting to attend Mass. A promotional message by the Department of Information said that no booking is required for Mass, but only for breakfast.
A spokesperson for the president, Maria Muscat, said the event was sold out, however people without tickets still managed to make their way into the church. This newsroom then asked for a clearer explanation on why people were refused entry, but the telephone conversation was cut short.