From Mr G. Leone Ganado

On behalf of the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, I would like to refer to the article entitled “The meek are silent” by Marisa Micallef (TMIS, 21 January).

Ms Micallef made very unfair comments on the role and attitude of the Church towards the meek and humble. One of these comments stated: “Every party exploits every opportunity in equal measure. But I am surprised, very very surprised that when the Church talks about housing it does not talk about the poor and the dispossessed, but generally about those who are the most comfortable.”

It is unfortunate that some columnists have a habit of attacking the Church on various issues without even bothering to read and/or to listen to what the Church has always said, based on its social doctrine that is grounded in the gospels.

In this respect, may I suggest that Ms Micallef looks up what the Church stated in the Maltese Diocesan Synod documents regarding Justice and Service (Djakonija u Gustizzja) and Marriage and the Family (Zwieg u Familja) and perhaps also to refer to the various pastoral letters by the Bishops, Papal encyclicals and related teachings. The Church, universal and local, has always striven to foster awareness of social justice and the dignity of the human person irrespective of religion, gender, colour or race.

May I also suggest that Ms Micallef pay a few visits to homes and shelters run by the Church and religious orders for, among others, homeless people, unmarried mothers, orphans, women who are victims of domestic violence, drug and other substance abusers undergoing rehabilitation, illegal immigrants, the aged and, if she wishes to go further afield, to all the homes and shelters run by Maltese missionaries in various countries around the world. She would then be able to form a better judgement of the commitment the Church has towards the poor and dispossessed.

In conclusion, I regret to note that Ms Micallef seems to have misunderstood the spirit of the reflection in the opinion paper on a middle income scenario. This was done specifically to highlight the fact that if the middle income earner is finding it impossible to access housing, the situation is even worse for those who are in the lower income bracket.

As regards the particular case mentioned by Ms Micallef, I am sure that a chat with the Cana Movement counsellors will highlight the many similar cases they deal with, and the “why” is happening, particularly when parents are separating.

Godfrey Leone Ganado

Chairperson

Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission