Archbishop Charles Scicluna celebrated a Mass on Saturday to mark the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination. The celebration was concelebrated by several priests ordained alongside him on 11 July 1986 by Archbishop Ġużeppi Mercieca at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

At the beginning of the Mass, the Archbishop prayed for his fellow priests observing this milestone, as well as for the soul of one member of their cohort who has passed away. He also paid tribute to Archbishop Ġużeppi Mercieca, who ordained them and who has since died.

As the Church observed the feast of St Benedict, Patron Saint of Europe, Archbishop Scicluna prayed specifically for vocations across the European continent. He expressed a hope that through the witness and example of priests, young people would be inspired to respond generously to Jesus' call for their lives.

In his homily, the Archbishop emphasised the need for gratitude towards the Lord for the past 40 years of ministry. He reflected on the gift of life and remembered the parents of all the priests, noting that they are the result of Christian marriage blessed with children.

The Archbishop further reminded the congregation that priests are called not only to celebrate the Eucharist but to care for the people of God entrusted to them. He highlighted the importance of engaging with a changing society that still harbours a deep thirst for God. He concluded that whenever society experiences a thirst for beauty, peace, truth, goodness, and justice, it is expressing a longing for God, and that priests must be present to provide a humble response.