Archbishop presides over Mass to celebrate 210th anniversary of police corps
Those who are combatting criminality, corruption, and the abuse of power are sent “like sheep among wolves”, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said during a Mass on the occasion of the 210th anniversary of the founding of the Maltese Police Cor
Those who are combatting criminality, corruption, and the abuse of power are sent “like sheep among wolves”, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said during a Mass on the occasion of the 210th anniversary of the founding of the Maltese Police Corps.
In the homily, Archbishop Scicluna made reference to the daily gospel according to Saint Matthew, when Jesus likened the disciples to “sheep among wolves” sent to hostile and unfriendly environments.
The Archdiocese of Malta said that the Archbishop offered the same advice to the corps that Jesus offered to the disciples, “to be wise and pure” as they are sent out “like sheep among wolves”.
The Archbishop said that those who use proportionate means for their goal are wise. “In your case, that is to protect legality in our country, the prosecution and investigation of those who destroy the social fabric and damage our reputation, because this is like a cancer that kills us from the inside.” He continued that the Corps are on the frontline of this battle, and that they need to have the wisdom of those who use proportionate means according to their necessary goal.
“Purity is that one is not corrupted by the environment they want to fight and is not complicit through silence, incompetence, or lack of conviction,” he said. He added that those who are right have no reason to be ashamed and worried when standing up for their principles.
He asked the members of the Corps to always be a tool of justice, and to never be complicit in injustice and corruption. He remarked that he prays they never lack the courage, nor the means that the State has the duty to provide them in order to carry out their work. “I also salute those who, to do their duty, go through quite a struggle, and I give you courage because you are providing an invaluable service to society.”
Archbishop Scicluna concluded by saying that his thoughts went to the families of the police, “who hope every day that their loved ones will come home safe and sound”. He added that he also thanked the members of the Corps on behalf of the Church for their cooperation in the needs of the parishes.
The Mass took place on Friday morning at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. President Myriam Spiteri Debono, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà were present.
Photo: Curia
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
