Daphne Caruana Galizia is considered to be one of the best columnists on the island. But unfortunately sometimes she tends to go overboard when presenting her ideas. In recent weeks, she repeatedly expressed her views about the Christian faith practised by the vast majority of Maltese and Gozitans. As usual she did not mince words to show that she does not recognise many of the Church’s teachings. She also showed great scepticism about miracles. What for a Hindu surgeon was considered a divine intervention, for Daphne is all Christian fanaticism. This does not bother me much; being Daphne she does not wish to be considered part of the fold.

But Ms Caruana Galizia should have been taught that she should respect other peoples’ beliefs. Writing in TMIS (27 May) and TMID (31 May), Daphne chose to ridicule the canonisation of Dun Gorg Preca and made fun of all those who still believe in his teachings. She mocked the local Church authorities for organising various celebrations to mark the unique moment in the history of our Church. She also had the cheek to pass disparaging remarks on the sterling work of the MUSEUM members with the younger generations in many towns and villages.

Subject to be corrected, it was the “one and only” Daphne Caruana Galizia and a certain John Guillaumier (in TMIS) who spoke in such a manner on the eve of Dun Gorg’s canonisation. The rest of the nation (including all other publications) felt proud that a “humble and pious priest” was going to be the first Maltese to be elevated to sainthood. By local standards this in itself is also a miracle – very rarely are we united on any issue.

Finally, why did Daphne decide to compare and contrast Dun Gorg’s canonisation with the shocking saga of a group of irregular migrants left stranded in mid-sea after their boat capsized? What do these two totally different issues have in common? Doesn’t Daphne know that the Maltese authorities are doing their utmost to face the stiff challenge of irregular migration? Doesn’t she know that many Maltese Christian soldiers and policemen are risking their lives to help the migrants? Where is Daphne when Armed Forces of Malta officers face precarious conditions many miles off Malta? Is she prepared to do the job herself?

Daphne also knows that our government is continually seeking help from Europe to alleviate the migrants’ distressful plight. What has Dun Gorg and the local Church got to do with all this? The local Church is a notable example to help these abandoned people. Instead of being dogmatic and at the same time pathetic in her writing, Ms Caruana Galizia should be the first to give a practical and Christian example by opening her home to give refuge to some of these migrants and furthermore, donate some of her earnings towards the upkeep of these helpless people. “Our” God would bless her for all this!

According to a recent parliamentary reply, every irregular migrant is costing the people of these islands – we, the Christians – Lm13 per day. How’s that for charity?

C. Calleja

St Julian’s