From Ms M. A. Pace

Daphne Caruana Galizia wrote an article that really disgusted me, as well as the many others I spoke to about her contribution in the press.

I just want to assure her that the Catholic Church is not a prison surrounded by landmines and anyone who does not want to conform is free to leave without any threats or harassment. People remain in this, “Club” as she calls the Church because they believe in what Christ said that man does not live by bread alone.

Some of us do not think that fun and sex are sufficient to satisfy us. Practising Catholics do not regard those who opted out as – quote – “runaways who need to be recaptured”. Faith is a gift that needs to be nurtured and treasured because gifts that are not treasured are usually lost.

She does not consider the bishops of the Church royalty, however they are Princes of the Church.

Thank God the crowds who freely and joyously welcomed the new archbishop did so because they consider him as their spiritual Father. They also thanked the previous incumbent even though some did not totally agree with what he tried to pass on to us. As for him coming from Gozo, I know many intelligent people who are in top jobs. One does not necessarily have to come from Sliema, Attard or anywhere else in Malta to attain a prestigious position. Whether we agree with all that Mgr Mercieca preached, no one can deny that in those turbulent times Malta went through, he conducted himself with great wisdom and calm.

The “crammed sheep behind the stockade” you call practising Catholics are happy to see that the new Archbishop can smile even though he knows that after the hype is over he has to face many difficulties which, by the grace of God, he can overcome and still keep on smiling because he knows that this burden will be shared by many many people who, thank God, do not consider the Catholic Church a hindrance but a help

Mary Anna Pace

SLIEMA