I am delighted to welcome you all to Malta, and more specifically to the beautiful island of Gozo, as we gather to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Victoria-Gozo Catenian Branch.
This is a momentous occasion, reflecting the growth and impact of the Catenians since their founding in Manchester in 1908. Over the years, the Catenian network has expanded globally, reaching communities across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Nazareth. It was 45 years ago that Malta joined this global family, and in 1994, Gozo established its own branch.
The Catenians embody values that are close to the heart of our communities—faith, solidarity, generosity, and respect.
These principles have long been promoted by the Catholic Church in Malta and Gozo, which played a vital role in fostering these values before the advent of self-government in 1921, before the tangible evidence of the concept of welfare state as a buffer zone for poverty in the early fifties, and as developed in the seventies, the Catholic Church provided the only refuge in situations calling for support and sustenance, not only locally, but also overseas.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, our local church sent missionaries far and wide, carrying with them the word of God and spreading values that uplift communities. Priests, religious individuals, and laypersons were pioneers in founding social institutions, thereby helping to support society’s most marginalized.
One of our proudest examples of this legacy is Saint George Preca, Malta’s first canonized saint. In 1907, he founded the Society of Christian Doctrine, a lay organization committed to the Christian formation of children and adults. His vision fostered community spirit, provided mutual support, and instilled Christian values from a young age, shaping the character of our society.
The worldwide work of the Catenians aligns closely with this mission. Through their charitable activities, they support initiatives in healthcare, education, and social welfare—efforts that benefit not only their members but the broader community.
Since the establishment of the Victoria-Gozo branch 30 years ago, the Catenians have partnered with local organizations such as the Friends of the Sick and the Elderly in Gozo. These partnerships have strengthened the social fabric of our community and provided essential support to the most vulnerable.
This commitment to generosity and solidarity is especially important in a rapidly changing Malta. With progress come new opportunities and challenges, and the values promoted by the Catenians have never been more necessary.
As our society modernizes, young people often face pressures that can sometimes overshadow the importance of core values. The Church, with the support of the Catenians, has been a steadfast advocate for the virtues of compassion, respect, and community spirit, especially for our youth.
The Catenians’ dedication to these principles is powerful evidence of the benefits of altruism. The ethos of the Catenians, found on selflessness, offers guidance to our younger generation, inspiring them to lead lives grounded in integrity and empathy.
Several local parish priests have also approached the Catenian Circle to seek ways to integrate foreign residents into parish life, regardless of faith. This work-in-progress initiative reflects the Catenians’ commitment to inclusivity, recognizing the importance of a welcoming spirit in our increasingly diverse society. It underscores our shared responsibility to foster unity and belonging and to extend a warm Maltese welcome to all who now call these islands home.
I am also heartened by the number of Maltese and Gozitan youths who embark on missions to places like Guatemala, Peru, and Kenya.
These experiences not only enrich their lives but also help them grow into value-driven individuals who contribute positively to our community. The Catenian Association has generously provided financial assistance to support these youths, enabling them to pursue this important mission, returning to our islands with inner strength, more appreciative of their own self-worth in fostering a better world for others and hence, better prepared to be of service in society.
Just last year, 18 out of 25 young people who spent part of their summer in Guatemala received assistance from the Victoria-Gozo Branch’s Bursary Fund, with nearly €8,000 in aid.
This year, the Catenian Association’s Bursary Fund has so far awarded a total of EUR 22,000 to young people in Malta and Gozo who are engaged in voluntary missionary work in Guatemala, the Phillipines, Egypt and Ethiopia—the largest support ever provided by this fund to Maltese youth.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, let us honor the enduring impact of the Catenians in Gozo, Malta, and beyond. May your commitment to faith, solidarity, and compassion continue to inspire and shape our communities for generations to come.
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