The Maltese Luzzu in the crib presented to the Pope at the Vatican is an urgent appeal for a generous commitment of welcome to the people who today cross the Mediterranean in search of our solidarity. Archbishop Mons Charles Scicluna said this during the official presentation a Maltese Nativity Crib to the Pope in a ceremony held in Rome.
In his address, Archbishop Mons Charles Scicluna said that this crib will be providing a a swathe of the Mediterranean Sea to Saint Peter's Square. The crib was made by Gozitan artist Manwel Grech and as Mons Scicluna described it, provides "the ideal Maltese landscape that physically welcomes the blessed announcement of the angel to the shepherds in Bethlehem."
Explaining the elements seen in the crib, the Archbishop explained that the Luzzu, represents all the boats and ships that crossed our millennial history: invasions and rescues, fishing and piracy, emigration and immigration.
The figure of the diocesan priest from Malta, Saint George Preca, born in 1880, died in 1962, beatified by Saint John Paul II in 2001 and canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, is also included in the crib.
"For Dun Ġorġ, the Nativity crib was the School of Bethlehem. At this school one learns the virtue of humility, of silence, of obedience, of trust in divine providence, of poverty. Indeed, how we need to attend this School of Betlehem!"
"Our wish, Your Holiness, is that the gift of this Nativity crib be a sign of gratitude of all the Maltese for the mission that You fulfil as successor of Peter, a prayer for Your person on your approaching 80th birthday, and a sign of our cordial expression of filial devotion."
Speaking at the crib’s inauguration, Minister Owen Bonnici congratulated Gozitan artist Manwel Grech and said that it is an honour for Malta to be the first country aside from Italy to have a traditional nativity crib adorning St Peter’s Square, exporting yet another aspect of Maltese talent overseas.
“This first-of-its-kind collaboration is evidence that the Maltese Government has culture and art at its heart. During the troublesome period Europe is facing at the moment, culture should be pivotal in society. It allows us to unite together in peace and love despite our diversities,” Minister Bonnici said.
For an active, democratic and creative society we need to raise cultural awareness and increase cultural participation and expression, Minister Bonnici said, noting that opportunities such as this event offer a chance for Maltese talent to be exhibited abroad and nourished further, whilst allowing for the cultivation and promotion of Maltese traditions.