The Archdiocese of Malta has opened a new chapter in its pastoral vision with the 2025 Diocesan Assembly, which focused on the forthcoming Pastoral Plan themed 'The Church in Malta Today: Communion, Participation, Mission'.

The plan, expected to be launched next year, is being coordinated by the Episcopal Vicarage for Pastoral Coordination and marks a renewed commitment to synodality within the local Church.

Addressing participants, Archbishop Charles Scicluna outlined the core ideas behind the three pillars of the plan. He said that communion requires a deeper daily effort to live in generosity and mutual service. This includes embracing the growing presence of non-ethnic Maltese residents, a shift he described as essential for authentic unity. He noted that this reality challenges long-held comfort zones, including linguistic habits, but offers the Church an opportunity to become more welcoming.

The Archbishop also spoke candidly about the Church's past, acknowledging that at times it has failed to be a sign of unity, particularly when associated with partisan politics or moments of national tension. "When I look ahead, I look at the Church beyond partisan politics," he said, stressing the importance of humility and reconciliation as the Church moves forward.

On the theme of participation, Archbishop Scicluna underlined the importance of listening-especially when doing so is uncomfortable. He said that sincere listening is "effective and therapeutic", particularly when the Church itself is responsible for people's pain. This act of listening, he added, must form a central part of the Church's pastoral approach.

Turning to mission, the Archbishop called for a renewed emphasis on the Gospel as a message of peace and liberation, rather than one centred on fear or condemnation. He encouraged the faithful to communicate the Good News in a way that reflects the freedom and serenity that Jesus brings.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi reinforced this vision in his opening remarks, explaining that the Assembly forms part of a broader discernment process leading to the new pastoral plan. He said the plan must "respond to the signs that the Spirit of God shows us today", and highlighted synodality as both a tool for self-critique and a source of encouragement where the Church is already living out its mission.

Fr Andre Zaffarese, the Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Coordination, described synodality as highly relevant for the local Church because it provides a framework for addressing contemporary challenges. He said the plan aims to explore how communion, participation and mission can be lived meaningfully in today's society. "Communion means that we all live together as one family. Participation means that everyone contributes to the mission of the Church. Mission is the purpose of the Church, which is to lead everyone to experience the love of God," he explained.

The planning process has now entered a new phase in which Church entities will assess how these principles can be applied to their work. Their proposals will be consolidated into a three-year diocesan plan, with continuous evaluation throughout its implementation.

During the Assembly, DISCERN's Chief Research Officer, Patricia Bonello, presented findings from a study conducted with Misco, examining religion's relevance in people's lives, the influence of Catholicism, and the public's sense of belonging within the Church. The study identifies age groups and areas where focused pastoral work is needed, reinforcing the urgency of the new plan.

The Assembly also featured reflections by Joseph Ciappara from the Faculty of Theology, who discussed the theological significance of the plan's three pillars. He said mission entails responsibility towards others, participation highlights cooperation with God's creative work, and communion reflects the belief that all people are created in the image of God.

A new website, pjanpastorali.knisja.mt, was launched to gather public suggestions. Around 250 participants attended the two-day Assembly, held in the San Ġwann Hall at the Archbishop's Curia in Floriana, either in person or virtually.