For anyone handling a euro coin with the engraved eight-pointed cross and Christ’s Baptism, two messages will flash across a person’s mind: a) This country is surely Christian, they’re not shy to say so. b) The eight-pointed cross is probably Malta – now where is that?”

Thus Malta’s identity would be more or less established.

As for the other potential euro coin engravings, the message may take time to sink in, or remain outright cryptic. Here our identity would be more nebulous, besides shying away from our Christian roots.

As to the objection that Christ should not be linked to money matters, if such money is to be used as a tool to help my neighbour, as the Samaritan did when paying the hostel keeper, would the Lord object to it?

Abuse for venial purposes has been rampant since time immemorial.

Jos. Xuereb

Mosta