“Being prepared, especially during Lent, is to rediscover the beauty of the Lord’s patience and mercy,” said Archbishop Charles Scicluna.

The Archbishop said this during his homily at a Mass for Catholics from different countries living in Malta, held on Saturday evening at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina.

This Mass, which was held in preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to Malta in two weeks time, was attended by Filipino Catholics, Poles, Italians and Colombians, among others.The Church said that this Mass was celebrated on the feast of St. Joseph, because in the words of Pope Francis, this saint is “the special patron of all those compelled to leave their homeland by war, hatred, persecution and poverty.”

The Archbishop thanked the Catholics present for accepting the invitation of the Church in Malta and joining him for the celebration of the Eucharist. He also said that we should be grateful for the contribution they make to the well-being of our society, especially in the field of health.

He concluded his homily by asking them to also pray that for the visit of the Holy Father Pope Francis, now within a fortnight, the weather will be a bit better.

“Please pray with me. We can organise so many things but we cannot organise the weather. So we better pray. Imagine, if he has to come in this weather and has to go to Gozo on such a day. You understand where my mind is at the moment. So I am praying that Pope comes and goes quickly, not because I am in a hurry, but you can understand the feeling. I appreciate your prayers not only for a beautiful visit of the Holy Father but please, for good weather. Fingers crossed.”

Photos/Video: Curia – church.mt/photos

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