Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Joseph Mercieca yesterday spoke out against gay marriages, cohabitation and once again mentioned the Church’s belief that human life has to be protected at all stages.

Mgr Mercieca was speaking during a Pontifical Mass as part of Independence Day celebrations instead of Archbishop Paul Cremona, who is in Rome at a convention organised by the Holy See for new archbishops.

Valletta and Floriana yesterday were the centre of activities organised to celebrate the 43rd anniversary since Malta achieved independence from Britain in 1964.

The celebrations started at 9.30am when the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) Band, together with the Guard of Honour, marched down Republic Street and stopped in St John’s Square.

The AFM commander, closely followed by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and President Edward Fenech Adami, arrived soon after.

The AFM Band and the National Guard gave Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Gonzi the national salute before the President carried out the inspection of the guard.

After the mass, the AFM band and Guard of Honour marched to the Great Siege monument in Floriana.

Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Gonzi both laid wreaths at foot of the monument.

The celebrations came to an end in the evening with a symphonic concert by the National Orchestra under the direction of Mro Michael Laus held in the Palace courtyard.

In his homily, Mgr Mercieca said that Christian beliefs and morality are going through a rocky period.

He pointed out that human dignity and the moral backbone of many countries are being damaged by the misinterpretation and abuse of the words “truth” and “freedom”.

“When these words are misinterpreted they can give rise to all forms of egoism including love of money, power and pleasure,” he said.

Mgr Mercieca emphasised that this interpretation is an “outright lie and deception that has already began to grow among us”.

Furthermore, he added, the gospel’s truth is not followed as it was up till a few years ago.

The archbishop emeritus pointed out that God only wants and “ordered” marriage to take place between a man and a woman – for life.

“However, it is easy to hear those who are in favour of divorce and other types of marriage,” he said.

Mgr Mercieca also pointed out that the word “abortion” does not shock people anymore while cohabitation has become normal.

He went on to say that there is a way of living brought about in the name of “freedom” whereby the people can “think what they want, believe what they want, do what they think is best and most convenient for them”.

This is wrong and detrimental and can never lead to true freedom, he added.

Mgr Mercieca also spoke about freedom of conscience.

“This means that no one should be obliged to go against their beliefs. However, this does not mean that everyone can act as they wish – away from God. This is not freedom but slavery to different idols,” he said.

With reference to politics, Mgr Mercieca said that Malta has become what it is today thanks to the hard work of politicians who often sacrificed their time and time with their families.

“These worked hard to give the people what they believed is best for our country,” he said.

He pointed out that the social structures are going through a lot of changes brought about by new economic forces.

“However, scientific discovery – especially in the field of biotechnology – call for the urgent need to protect each and every stage of human life,” said Mgr Mercieca.

He said that the Maltese appreciate when a political party’s promises are translated into actions instead of vague declarations and principles.