Archbishop Charles Scicluna used his homily in an anniversary mass held on the occasion of the establishment of the Malta Police Force to praise the Force for their work in ensuring that public order is maintained.
The mass was held on Tuesday morning at St. John’s Co-Cathedral to celebrate the 208th anniversary of when the Malta Police Force was established.
In the archbishop’s homily, he thanked the police for their solidarity and bravery. He thanked the “men and women who give their lives to ensure public order, harmony and peace”.
He referenced St. George Preca who spoke about anniversaries and how they are important because it is a time when people can thank God and ask for God’s forgiveness.
He stressed the importance of thanking God for giving strength to the police force in order for them to practice the principles of justice and harmony.
“The mission of the police is not easy. They must constantly carry the important values within our society during the toughest times,” he said.
He asked God to give them strength so that they will not give up in the face of adversity in order to keep society safe.
Scicluna elaborated on how it is not easy to protect the public, especially in situations where there is crime and aggression. Therefore, he said that “when we thank God, we are also thanking him for the protection he gives to every member of the police.”
Moreover, the Archbishop did not shy away from speaking about the injustice of rare situations when certain members of the police force do not practice the proper values. However, according to him, it was important that in these moments these people must take responsibility for their actions and ask for forgiveness.
Ultimately, he ended his homily by thanking the members of the diplomatic corps for their attendance and praising the police force by praying “that may be worthy of the high values that their mission represents and promotes.”