Mary,
the Wonder of God

Following I Am, a children’s book published by Lara Fenech, comes When I Grow Up – Heidi’s Show and Tell. It poetically narrates the vibrant morning when a teacher, Ms Hannah, invites her young students to share their dreams for the future. Amongst the kaleidoscope of colours, costumes and jobs, Heidi, one of the students, secretly has a dream she wishes to share. The concept of 'show and tell' fosters public speaking skills in children to feel more comfortable speaking in front of their peers, using descriptive words and full sentences. Through this publication Lara continues to reach out to young souls, sharing the love, peace and reassurance Jesus offers us in an emotionally challenging world. Available from Librerija Preca.

St George Preca had a true devotion to our Mother Mary. He used to invite people to make three bows to Our Lady, in honor of her immaculate conception, her motherhood and her ascension to heaven. Moreover, he had a special devotion to Our Mother of Good Counsel. On a wall in his house, Preca had an image of Our Mother of Good Counsel and whenever he passed by it, he would pray: Mother of Good Counsel, pray for me. The chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, next to the SDC General House in Blata l-Bajda is a living monument of his effort in favour of this particular devotion. The daily prayer of the Holy Rosary was indispensable for St George Preca. In 1957, he wrote five new mysteries, the Mysteries of Light to help the SDC Members meditate on the public life of Christ. These are very similar to the Mysteries of Light that Pope John Paul II officially added to the mysteries of the Holy Rosary in October 2002 with his Apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae. The writings of S. George Preca about Mother Mary are numerous. These include prayers and various programmes to celebrate the major Marian feast throughout the year.   O Blessed Virgin, O Gate of Heaven, O Mother of Mercy, O Delight of God: pray for us, because we know that he who bestowed on you the dignity of Divine Motherhood will not deny you anything. Amen. O Mary, you are great indeed! We acknowledge your greatness, because you are the Mother of our Saviour who is true God and true man while being one divine person, and therefore, you are the Mother of God, because he is a divine person, the second person of the Holy Trinity.

Pope Francis, in his letter On the Role of Literature in Formation, published on July 17, 2024, underscores the essential role that literature plays in shaping the human soul and intellect. He begins by acknowledging the profound influence that great literary works have had on individuals and societies throughout history. Literature, he argues, is more than just an art form; it is a medium through which we encounter the depths of human experience, exploring themes of love, suffering, joy, and hope. It provides a space where readers can grapple with fundamental questions of existence, morality, and spirituality. The Pope emphasizes that literature has the power to develop empathy by allowing readers to see the world through the eyes of others, fostering a greater understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. This empathetic engagement is crucial for building a more just and compassionate society. Moreover, literature stimulates critical thinking, challenging readers to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and assumptions. It invites them to question the status quo and to imagine new possibilities for the future. Pope Francis also highlights the importance of literature in the spiritual and moral formation of individuals. Through stories and characters, literature can inspire readers to pursue virtue, wisdom, and a deeper relationship with the divine. He calls on educators, parents, and leaders to promote the reading of quality literature as a means of nurturing the moral and intellectual growth of the young. In a world increasingly dominated by superficiality and instant gratification, the Pope urges a return to the contemplative and reflective engagement that literature demands. Finally, Pope Francis concludes by reminding us that literature is not just a private endeavor but a communal one, capable of uniting people across time and space. It is a gift to be shared, and through it, we can contribute to the flourishing of humanity. The letter serves as a call to recognize and embrace the transformative power of literature in the ongoing formation of individuals and society. The full version of this letter can be found here!

In the Creed, we confess, “We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church". We profess that we form part of the same Church that Christ founded on the Apostles. In the Gospel, we read that Jesus used to summon the Twelve to teach them, and before ascending to heaven, he commissioned them to spread the Good News to all nations. The Apostles then chose other disciples as leaders to continue with this mission on their behalf. This apostolic succession ensured both the transmission of faith and the authenticity of the Christian teaching that can only be delivered by the apostolic Church. There are few Maltese translations of the writings of the Church Fathers, which show the beauty of the wisdom of early Christian teaching. Through this series, we can now find a collection of writings in Maltese that reveal the beauty of our Christian faith. Through these writings, one can find reliable answers to the faith-related questions that one might have. Available from Librerija Preca.

Traces of God: Understanding God's Presence in the World Today by Peter Malone is a profound exploration of the divine presence in everyday life, presented through a series of reflections that are both insightful and accessible. Malone, a noted film critic and theologian, draws from his extensive experience in the cinematic and spiritual worlds to uncover the subtle ways God manifests in our daily experiences. The book is an invitation to see the sacred in the mundane, making it a gentle yet compelling read for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual awareness. Malone's writing is engaging, blending personal anecdotes with theological reflections, making the book both relatable and thought-provoking. His unique perspective, shaped by years of examining film and faith, offers readers a fresh way to perceive the world around them. Available from Librerija Preca.