So now we know, because that is what the census conducted by the Curia has revealed about the dwindling congregations at Sunday Mass.

But is it possible, that it had to be the census to let us know that nearly half of the population do not attend Sunday Mass. Was there anybody who was surprised with the result? And when we know all this, what about the other half that go? Do they go to show themselves, to meet other people and gossip about others? Do they go because it is a habit, a routine, or because it is their duty as Catholics to go to church and to pray and praise God?

With the greatest respect to the Archbishop, I have to say that I do not agree with him when he says that although he is not pleased he is neither worried, because the percentage is better than it is in Europe. He should be worried indeed, because the trend is diminishing every year.

It is no use pointing fingers and blaming this and that. In my opinion, everyone of us is to blame, because we do not value our faith as we should.

We are saying that the Mass is not attractive, and that is why the young do not go. When the Mass was in Latin, some used to say the young do not go because it is in Latin and they do not understand what is being said. It started being celebrated in Maltese, and still there was no progress; now they are saying it is not attractive. I want to ask how a thing, and the Mass is one of them, repeated more than once every day remains attractive not only to the young but to everybody? Some blame the homily, because it is not presented correctly. Cannot we understand that not every priest, even the most intelligent, has the gift of oratory? Now, some are saying that the church should change the formula. If there is another way they should try it, although I am sure that even the new one will be unattractive in a couple of years. Some years back, something was tried when a Mass for young people was celebrated at Birkirkara and after, another at Mosta Rotunda. I only attended the one at Mosta, and the less said about it the better. I hope it will never be repeated.

The census was only about the Sunday Mass, but what about the other Sacraments, like Holy Communion and Confession. Is the church happy with these? I am not. In my opinion and I hope I am wrong, changing the formula of the Mass is not the remedy to bring the people back on Sundays. What we need is to regain the values we lost especially in the family, and I believe that only God can give them back to us by turning and praying to Him.

Everyone of us can help, especially the clergy, be they priests or religious. These people should be an example to us, with the way they dress, and above all the way they live in society, that they treasure and obey the discipline of the priesthood, and show they are willing to work in God’s field. By doing this I am sure they will regain the respect they once had. The media can and should help as well, not by hiding any publication, but not colouring it more than is necessary.

Joseph Muscat

MOSTA