Archbishop Charles Scicluna led the Solemn Vigil of the Resurrection of the Lord on Saturday evening at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, during which 19 adults were baptised into the Catholic Church.
The ceremony formed part of the Easter Saturday liturgy, one of the most sacred celebrations in the Christian calendar.
The new Catholics, who also received the sacraments of confirmation and holy communion, come from a diverse range of countries, including Albania, the United Kingdom, China, India, France, Malta Turkey and the Philippines. Through the Sacraments of Initiation, they became full members of the Catholic Church.
During his homily, Archbishop Scicluna reflected on the tenth anniversary of his appointment as Archbishop of Malta by Pope Francis. He also referenced a poignant episode involving 21 Christian workers who were murdered by the Islamic State on the Libyan coast-20 from Egypt and one from Ghana-just days before the anniversary. The archbishop described their martyrdom as a testimony of simple but profound faith.
“These are 21 workers who in our time, not in ancient times, gave their lives. Their blood is mixed in the sea that surrounds us and in which we swim,” he said. “When you look at our sea, remember that mixed with it is the blood of these workers who gave their lives so as not to deny Jesus… Their faith was simple but profound.”
He went on to speak about the strength of faith that leads people to give their lives for others, rooted in the experience of peace, joy, and righteousness found in Jesus Christ.
The archbishop called on the congregation to embrace the new Christians and support them in their spiritual journey. “On this holy night, the best of all nights,” he said, “let us welcome these new Christians and give them our support.”
Concluding his homily, Archbishop Scicluna prayed for humility and perseverance among the faithful. “May our faith always be a living faith, steadfast, and may we never give up and never deny Jesus,” he said.
The Easter Vigil, held on the night before Easter Sunday, marks the official beginning of the Church’s celebration of the Resurrection. It traditionally includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, the reading of sacred scripture, the Liturgy of Baptism, and the celebration of the Eucharist.