Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi spoke about protecting life during his homily on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Victory.
He touched upon many issues which have been the topic of much discussion in the country in recent years - the environment, abortion, irregular migrants out at sea, among other things.
"Tomorrow, 8 September, the birth of Our Lady is celebrated worldwide. This feast has a very special link with our history. We call it Our Lady of Victory because we commemorate the end of the Great Siege in 1565, and the end of the Siege during the Second World War when Italy surrendered eighty years ago, in 1943. These events were great victories for us and they also benefitted the Mediterranean and Europe."
He said that this day has a close link with the cherishing of life. "As we celebrate the feast this year, we should once again make a choice in favour of life, a choice that is the result of conviction and consistency, and which will continue guiding our decisions for the good of our country in many different areas. This choice in favour of life should stem from our conviction, not a choice made out of convenience when it suits us, and changed when it is no longer expedient, like a reed shaking in the wind. It should be a consistent choice that starts at the very beginning of life and continues till the end, and also at every moment in between."
The Auxiliary Bishop asked: What does a consistent choice to protect life mean in practice?
"We protect human life from the very first moment, that is, from conception, when there are only a few dependent and vulnerable cells, but life is already present. This is when the choice should start because equality demands that if a human life has started, even if still dependent and defenceless, it should be given the opportunity to continue living, and not be killed. What sense does it make to speak about equality, if we eliminate those who are weak and helpless?"
"We protect the life of those who are at sea, and are looking for protection - those who plea for help and, if this help is not forthcoming, will end up drowned in the Mediterranean, which Pope Francis has called a cemetery. When we speak about equality, where it this equality for those people who are drowning at sea and nobody offers them a hand to save them? The lives of these people are not worth less than that of others. These are not objects, but people who have dignity."
He also said that "we protect life by caring for creation. We know that one of the greatest sieges in our country concerns the environment. This can be confirmed by a simple look around us wherever we are. There is the idea that more construction and greater height are an indication of progress. However, a true victory will come about when we protect the environment, not when we destroy it. Future generations will be even more upset and will demand responsibility from those who destroyed nature because of avarice."
He also said that one protects life "by giving a clear message that drugs are harmful, and not a healthy means of relaxation. When you are close to people, you will be aware how people of all ages are being pressured to start on a road that will only damage their health, especially their mental health, and may eventually lead to death. There are many victims. Whoever is behind the harm being done to the health and life of these people bears a heavy responsibility."
He also spoke about protecting life by supporting those who are going through a difficult time, and may actually be thinking of ending their life. "There are many vulnerable people for whom life seems too hard. Their cry for help is often silent. They need people who will help them discover the value of their life, and show care and concern for their mental well-being. It is important to keep in mind that the health of a society is measured by the progress of its weakest members. To those who are experiencing this difficult time: I strongly encourage you to seek help. There are many people willing to help."
"We protect life by safeguarding workers at their place of work, and taking all the necessary measures so that workers can set their mind at rest that their life is not in danger, and so that there will be no more victims of negligence and indifference."
This year, he said, "we should reflect on the fact that a true victory, a true triumph, will derive from a choice in favour of life, a choice that is the result of conviction and consistency. The life of every single person is endowed with dignity and value. It is precious, and we should give it the greatest protection, respect the diversity of life, and work to protect its dignity."
Photo: Archdiocese of Malta