On the day of his Creation as Cardinal, His Eminence Mario Grech has delivered a message to his “dear Gozitan and Maltese brethren.”

The message is shown in full below:

I must confess I was somewhat surprised at the reaction of our people when Pope Francis announced that he was going to make me a member of the College of Cardinals of the Church. I learned that not a few said they wept for joy when they heard the Pope utter the name of one of their brothers!

I suppose Francis’ call resounded in many people’s hearts and its echo spread throughout homes, workplaces, hospitals, streets and elsewhere, bringing with it consolation and hope. Many felt a sense of gratification, because since the Pope thought of us too while considering the “consistory” (the highest body of the Church he consults with), that meant he knows about us and respects us!

I am saying this not in a spirit of boastfulness but rather in appreciation of much good there is among us, not only as a Church but also as a country; with a sense of gratitude too, for all those who have gone before us, in the Church and in civil society; and with a sense of the responsibility incumbent upon us to enhance the good that we have, while weeding out the negative elements which raise their head from time to time.

The breath of fresh air which swept down upon us with this news means that the Church is still relevant to Maltese and Gozitans alike. In spite of all its mistakes and defects, the Church is still rooted in the hearts of our people.

The indications are that there is still place for the Church among us. Had it not still been relevant, would there have been so many who follow the Pope’s message at midday on Sunday, and pray the Angelus with him? Had the Church not still meant something for Maltese and Gozitans alike, would there have been all this interest in the Pope’s choices?

Naturally there is a “model” of the Church and a style of ecclesial life whose time has disappeared; it is also true to say that if we do not pay attention, our words will fall on deaf ears. But when it comes to the crunch, our people know how to express their faith.

As Pope Francis writes, when the people of God “believe, they are not mistaken, even if they do not find words adequate enough to express their faith” (EG, 119).

It is therefore important for the flame of faith in Christ to keep burning within our hearts and in our families. This recent reaction is a clear indication that Christ still dwells among us.

Even if we would like to see the divide between faith and practical life recede, and our share in liturgical life get better as far as numbers and quality are concerned, I believe that Christ still evokes in us crucial questions.

I believe that even those who grew up in the Church but who have now “left” it, have still not abandoned Jesus. I say this because even such persons showed their appreciation of this event.

In order to reinforce our Christian faith, I would urge you to heed my brothers, your Bishops. Unity with the bishop is the guarantee against error when it comes to discerning what the Spirit wants to communicate to our Churches in Malta and Gozo.

In the words of Pope Francis, “what is important is for us not to walk alone, for us to rely always on our brethren and especially on the guidance of our Bishops in a pastoral discernment which is wise and realistic” (EG, 33).

My desire is that the positive feeling experienced in recent days be transformed into a prayer for me, that in my fragility I may be a worthy instrument.

The word “Cardinal” is derived from cardine which means the pivot on which everything turns. Thus I have been called to this office so that as a cardinal I may help the Church to be that pivot in order for it to continue helping men enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ: he is the foundation upon which our individual and collective lives rest.

I am convinced that if Christ is the centre of our life, important reforms will follow; but no reform can be brought about (in our personal life, in family, social, political. economic and ecclesial life) if this foundation is missing.

These are my wishes for you, dear Gozitan and Maltese brethren. Through the intercession of our father, St Paul, who started us off on our way to Jesus, and through that of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, who supports us with her maternal love in taking small steps on the road to discipleship, I pray for God’s blessing upon you.

At Vatican City, 28th November 2020

Mario Cardinal Grech

Official photo: Em.T. Mario Cardinal Grech (Gozo Diocese/L’Osservatore Romano)

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