Robing ourselves in virtue

The words “I am the Good Shepherd” from the Gospel of John (Jn 10:11) hold great significance in the Christian faith. Jesus presents himself as a shepherd, not merely one who leads his sheep, but one who knows each sheep by name and in a deeply personal way. He is the friend who is willing to lay down his life to protect them. The Good Shepherd is the one who recognises the needs of each sheep and does everything, even making great sacrifices, to ensure they are kept safe. The image of Jesus as shepherd conveys a strong sense of security, particularly when we feel lost or without direction. In everyday life, many people experience fear or loneliness, especially when facing difficulties or moments of uncertainty. Yet Jesus’ words bring us great hope. He assures us of his constant care, reminding us that we are never alone in our trials. The words “I am the Good Shepherd” are an invitation to trust that, just as a shepherd cares for his flock, so too Jesus lays down his life for his sheep. The Good Shepherd is not merely a figure who walks ahead of the flock to lead them. He is known for his love, courage, and loyalty. The life he gives for his sheep reflects a mission of goodness and service. As shepherd, Jesus not only leads but exemplifies how we should live in relationship with one another. More than that, we are called to imitate the character of this Good Shepherd. This means being ready to show mercy and love to those in need, like the shepherd who knows each of his sheep. We are called to support, to love, to offer reassurance, and,if necessary, to make sacrifices. Ultimately, the message of “I am the Good Shepherd” is an invitation to humility, to live a life of sacrificial love, and to offer strength and encouragement to those who come to us. When life confronts us with trials, we must remember that we have someone who leads us with love and compassion, and who is willing to give everything for our sake. This is true faith, a faith that professes the eternal presence of Jesus’ love. Sam Schembri SDC Candidate

Perhaps at times we think: if only I could hear God literally calling me, like Samuel in the Old Testament!... it would be so much easier, as I’d be certain of what God wants from me. Yet callings of this kind have always been rare. In fact, at the beginning of Samuel’s story, we are told that “the word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread” (1 Sam 3:1). Moreover, had it not been for Eli, Samuel might not have noticed the call at all. The period in which Samuel lived was not particularly joyful, largely due to the hardness of heart among the people of Israel and the poor example set by the priests. Yet, in spite of this, God chose to use Samuel, a twelve-year-old boy, to bring about change. The word obedience comes from the Latin ob-audire, which means to listen. Samuel is a clear example of obedience because as soon as he heard someone calling him, he ran to the priest Eli. He was old and had begun to lose his sight, so Samuel assumed he needed help. This passage brings to mind Mary, who, after the angel appeared to her, “got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea” (Luke 1:39) to assist Elizabeth, who was in need. Both Mary and Samuel were attentive to the needs of others; their eagerness to serve sprang from the heart, accompanied by a sense of zeal and joy. Although Samuel was a devout boy who served in the temple, he did not immediately recognise that it was God who was calling him. Even Eli did not at first understand that the voice Samuel heard was the Lord’s. Yet God did not give up. He continued to call until, on the third instance, Eli realised that it was the Lord who was calling and instructed Samuel to respond, should he hear the voice again: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:10). Eli played a crucial role in helping Samuel recognise God’s call. But this guidance would have been fruitless had Samuel not had an open heart and been willing to follow Eli’s counsel. It is no surprise that St George Preca rejoiced when the Church approved the spiritual direction of the SDC members as a source of spiritual guidance. It is a blessing to have someone we trust, with whom we can share our spiritual journey, and who can help us grow in faith. Do not fall into the trap of thinking you can live the Christian life on your own! God still calls, are you listening? Hayden Diacono SDC Candidate

When we speak of prominent figures in Catholic Theology, St Augustine is one of the first who comes to mind. We often referred to quotations from this Doctor of the Church. However, it would be a mistake to think that this saint led an easy and trouble-free life, quite the opposite. In fact, it took him many years to come to know God, and, as we read in his work The Confessions, he openly admits to having committed many sins. Augustine was born in 354AD in Hippo, located in present-day Algeria. His father was a pagan, while his mother, Monica, was a devout Christian. His father encouraged him to continue his studies in the hope that he would one day become a lawyer. However, this focus on academic success came at the cost of Augustine’s holistic development and did not set a good moral example. Augustine confesses that, as a youth, he struggled with the sin of fornication. At times, he even stole from his parents to buy satff from other children. At the age of sixteen, when he went to study in Carthage, he describes himself as becoming involved in ‘many illicit relationships’. By the time he was eighteen, he had fathered a son, Adeodatus, with a woman to whom he was not married. Although Augustine became aware of the need to reform his life, he initially turned to Manichaeism, a sect that taught a form of dualism, in which the universe was seen as a battleground between the forces of good and evil. The Manichaeans believed that wisdom alone was sufficient for salvation. During this period, Augustine taught philosophy and rhetoric in Carthage, Rome, and later in Milan. There, he came into greater contact with Christian thinkers. Through the persistent prayers and encouragement of his mother, he eventually agreed to listen to the sermons of St Ambrose. This holy bishop had a profound influence on him, and not long afterwards, during the Easter Vigil of the year 386, Augustine was baptised along with his son. A few years later, Adeodatus died, and Augustine resolved to sell all his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. In 391AD, he was ordained after being recommended to priesthood by many. St Augustine went on to become one of the most influential figures in the Catholic Church. He authored over one hundred books, two hundred letters, and left us with around five hundred recorded homilies. From a youth immersed in selfish and worldly pursuits, he came to know God and became a powerful witness to the Catholic faith. His life also demonstrates the power of prayer, particularly that of his mother, as a means of discerning God’s will for our lives. Jake Bezzina SDC Candidate

As we journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, let us reflect on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as our example of faith and trust. Her feast, under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, celebrated on 16 July, reminds us that she accompanies us on our journey, especially when the path ahead is tough and uncertain. Mary’s entire life was a ‘yes’ to God’s plan: from her courageous acceptance at the Annunciation to her steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross. We can rightly call her the Woman of Hope, for her faith remained firm in the face of suffering and mystery. St George Preca, who as a Carmelite tertiary and took the name Fr Franco in her honour, invites us to follow Mary’s example so that we may become worthy disciples of Jesus Christ. For him, Mary was not simply to be admired, but above all to be imitated, especially in her humility, silence, and complete trust in God. He encouraged devotion to the scapular, the rosary, and, most importantly, an inner life modelled on hers. He promoted the scapular devotion as a sign of consecration to Mary and a call to imitate her virtues. He deeply embraced the teaching of Pope Pius XII, who described the scapular as ‘putting on the virtues of Mary’ and established an annual Celebration of the Virtues on the first Sunday after 16 July to encourage the SDC members to live out Mary’s noble virtues. In one of his writings, St George Preca imagined St Simon Stock urging the faithful: “Put on Mary, you who love her.” Indeed, St George Preca was a living witness to this call, tirelessly preaching Mary’s protective love through the scapular and leading others to follow her path. As pilgrims of hope, may we walk with Mary, the Woman of Hope, trusting her to guide us ever closer to her Son, just as St George Preca did, with faith, devotion, and courage.

Flannery O’Connor’s A Prayer Journal reveals her private prayers and reflections as a young writer. She wrote it while studying at the Iowa Writers' Workshop in her early twenties. In the journal, she asks God to help her grow in faith and become a good writer. She hopes her writing will serve God, not just bring her success. Her words are simple yet powerful, showing deep feeling and honesty. She openly admits her struggles with pride, doubt, and weakness. She wants to trust God more and follow His plan for her life. Although the journal is brief, it offers a rich view of her inner life. It also helps readers understand the faith behind her stories. In the end, it is a touching book about prayer, purpose, and belief in God. This prayer journal has been published in Maltese by Preca Publications under the title Djarju ta’ Talb, and is available at Librerija Preca.

Sport is not merely a physical activity or a form of competition, but also a true school of life. Pope Francis remarked that “sport can be a way of human development, bringing us together with others, opening us up to dialogue and inclusion” (International Congress organised by the Pontifical Council for Culture, 1 June 2018). Through sport, values are nurtured that align closely with Christian virtues: perseverance, respect for others, humility, teamwork, and self-control. To engage in sport requires discipline, consistent effort, and the determination to strive for personal improvement. Talent alone is not sufficient; one must train with patience and a faithful commitment to the process. These attitudes form our character and support us in our spiritual journey. As Saint John Paul II noted, sport “can become an effective means of education in human and Christian values” (Athletes’ Jubilee, 28 October 2000). Pope Benedict XVI also highlighted that sport teaches us “to respect the rules, to accept defeat, and to work for victory without crushing others” (Message to the players and organisers of Euro 2012). In sport, as in the Christian life, what matters most is not victory, but personal growth. Young Christians are called to participate in sport with a different spirit: not one of aggressive competition, but as an opportunity to bring out the best in ourselves and foster fraternity. In Christus Vivit, Pope Francis encourages us to seek healthy and joyful spaces where we can grow in a spirit of sharing, development, and love. In this way, sport becomes a path to holiness – a tangible way of living the Gospel on the pitch! SDC Lurín (Peru)