Hail Mary!

This Jubilee Year, under the theme Pilgrims of Hope, Preca Publications has just released the book Semillas de Esperanza (Seeds of Hope), written in Spanish by SDC member Stephen Zammit. Comprising sixty-two inspiring reflections, the book seeks to strengthen the reader’s faith and hope, particularly during challenging times. With an introduction by Mgr Arturo González, Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Clara, Cuba, the text is warmly endorsed for its spiritual depth and relevance. “Each of the 62 chapters offers a profound and enriching reflection, grounded in concrete existential examples, helping us move beyond the purely human understanding of hope to the spiritual depth of hope as a theological virtue.” In his introduction, Bishop González also writes, “Many times we use the word ‘hope’ as a synonym for wishful thinking, but Christian hope offers a full and definitive response, both for the present and the future, to our daily questions and uncertainties.” With heartfelt appreciation, he adds, “I wish to express my gratitude to the author for the dedication, the human effort and the time spent in preparing these pages, and also for thinking of today’s person, who is so in need of reasons to live with hope.”

Adam was more than just a mud-man. Fashioned and named by God, Adam mirrored God and could himself talk and commune with his Creator. Out of formlessness, darkness and the void, humanity was created by God and worshiped Him. Taken from the side of Christ-in-Adam, Eve was fashioned from the substance of a rational being; she, too, had a name. These two loved one another and loved their Maker. Then came the heartbreak:  when the Eternal God sought his children, Adam and Eve, to enjoy time with them and talk, they were not to be found. They were hiding from his presence. And so begins the sacred narrative of humanity’s blessedness, loss of everything, and hope of redemption, through Jesus. We are in a relationship with God, with creation, and each other. Can that blessed oneness be sundered? Yes. That is free choice, which is given through the ages. If one could see the whole of creation, the entire span from the very beginning in the paradise of Eden to the very end when all creation is taken up to God, would we have the courage to be other than a mud-man instead of a free and rational creature, able to accept the love of God and return it? To build loyal, fair, and loving relationships with other people? The first Eve did not. What about the Second Eve? Did Mary envision suffering and loss in her “yes!” to the angelic messenger of God? Or the unbearable sorrow, and loneliness of her Son, Jesus, who died in such pain and humiliation on the cross? Would she still have believed and said yes, even then? Fortunately, for us, and for herself, she did! Her gift of the Immaculate Conception was not given in vain. In the narrative of the Gospel of St Luke, the name of Mary is repeated by St Gabriel several times, ending with the archangel’s final reassurance: “Do not be afraid, Mary” (Luke 1:30). With the enthusiasm of a very young woman’s joy at glimpsing the very wellspring of life, Mary believed and accepted the divine invitation. She believed and so became the Mother of God, in Jesus “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (Luke 1:31). This great mystery extends through all ages and fills the Church with wisdom, life, and love. The Chirch, a tender mother and teacher available as anchor and guideposts for our choices, through the sacraments and the magisterium. “I announce to you a great joy!” This was the proclamation that went out to all the world when the newly elected Pope Leo XIV was presented. The responding throng shouted even more joyfully at the next words: “Habemus Papa!” We have a Pope! Our Holy Father leads the whole world to the Gospel and guards the faith. Moreover, there is a parallel proclamation of great joy: Mary is Mother of Mercy. She embraces all people on behalf of her Son. Habemus Mamam! How happy are we to be under the protective mantle of Mary, the woman who believed. The Church is a blessing, wherein we may model our lives on Mary, who worships the Lord in the beauty of holiness and, being full of grace, who teaches us how to love. Ruth D. Lasserter Friend of the SDC Indiana, US

Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you. This is the peace of the risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome — the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter. Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace. Thank you, Pope Francis! Thank you to my Cardinal brothers who chose me to be the successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the Gospel. I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together toward that homeland that God has prepared for us. To the church of Rome, a special greeting: We have to look together how to be a missionary church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love. And if you allow me also, a word, a greeting to all those and in a particular way to my dear diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people has accompanied its bishop, has shared its faith and has given so much, so much to continue being a faithful church of Jesus Christ. To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, and of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, always seeks charity, always strives to be close especially to those who suffer. Today is the day of the supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to be close, to help us with her intercession and her love. So I would like to pray together with you: let us pray together for this new mission, but also for the whole Church and for peace in the world. Let us ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of Adolescents was, from the very beginning, a source of great joy and gratitude for me. Not everyone is fortunate enough to take part in such an event, which only takes place once every twenty-five years. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience. During the pilgrimage, I had the chance to meet several young people who attend the SDC, and I was able to form friendships with some of them. This taught me that faith is lived more deeply and becomes stronger when lived within a community. The Jubilee of Adolescents, which was the highlight of the pilgrimage, proved to be a profoundly moving spiritual experience. Witnessing thousands of young people from all over the world come together for a common purpose made me feel truly part of something greater. One particularly memorable moment was walking through the Jubilee Door and visiting St Peter’s Basilica. That experience left a lasting impression on me. I was able to engage more fully in prayer and appreciate the moments of reflection we shared. We also visited Assisi and saw the tomb of Carlo Acutis, who will be declared saint in the coming weeks. I have read a great deal about him and hold him in high regard, especially for the faith he managed to maintain despite his suffering. We visited the church housing the tomb of St Francis of Assisi and attended Mass in the basilica dedicated to St Clare. Looking back, I can certainly say this was a truly unique experience. I am deeply thankful to the Lord for this time of grace, shared with so many Maltese adolescents and others from around the world. Lord God, we ask you to bless all adolescents and grant them the grace to live out their faith with courage, following the example of Carlo Acutis, and to be a living witness to their friends. Luigi Borg SDC Lija-Balzan

Following the publication of Il-Papiet Kbar ta’ Żmienna (The Great Popes of Our Time), a book covering the last seven Popes, author Robert Aloisio has now released Konklavi (Conclave), which explores the last seven conclaves held by the Catholic Church over nearly eighty years of history. The purpose of the book is also to address some of the questions often asked about the Conclave, particularly considering the secrecy, symbolism, and sense of mystery that surround this event. It seeks to dispel certain myths and misconceptions that may exist. The Conclave is the process by which the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church elects a new Pope following the death or resignation of the previous Pontiff. It remains one of the oldest and most solemn electoral processes still in use today. It is an event of great significance not only for the Catholic Church but for the wider world. Although the Church has lost much of its political influence since the 19th century, its moral authority continues to inspire many, despite the various scandals that have afflicted it over the years. The Pope remains a relevant figure in contemporary society. Written in Maltese, the book includes a comprehensive glossary of terms related to the Conclave and the Papacy. It also features information about the three Maltese Cardinals in the Church’s history, as well as insights into how St George Preca viewed the role of the Pope. All proceeds from the book will support Kċina ta’ Marta, a Church initiative aimed at helping those currently facing hardship. Kċina ta’ Marta is led by LOOP Parish Ministry with the backing of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation. The book is available for purchase from Librerija Preca or online at sayitmalta.com.

This week, the eyes of the world will undoubtedly be fixed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, as the Catholic Church prepares for the moment when, on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, the conclave will begin. This is the process through which the next Head of the Catholic Church, the Vicar of Christ, the Pope, will be chosen. While many are speculating about who the new Pope might be, it is vital to remember that, at its heart, this is a process of discernment. It is not simply an election, but a spiritual journey in which the Cardinals, in openness to the Holy Spirit, seek to allow God to choose, through them, the one He wills. As the Cardinals carry out this responsibility in a spirit of prayer and deep reflection, with hearts attuned to the Spirit, we too are invited to join them in prayer; that the Church may be blessed with a new shepherd, ready to tend the flock of our beloved Jesus. Let us pray that the one chosen may be a teacher who proclaims the truth of the Gospel with courage and authenticity. Let us pray that he may be a guardian who defends the unity of the Church and faithfully upholds her teachings and traditions. Let us pray that he may be a shepherd one who cares lovingly for the flock, especially in life’s most significant moments. Let us pray: O God, eternal Shepherd, who guides your flock with fatherly care, grant to your Church a Shepherd after your own heart, holy in life, vigilant and devoted in the care of your people. Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is God, living and reigning with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.