The MUSEUM - Issue 22 May 2019

THEMUSEUM A Magazine of the Society of Christian Doctrine - Preca Community Australia

ISSUE 22 | MAY 2019

PRECA YOUTH Experiences in the Preca Community

MEEKNESS

A Virtue Under Trial

FIGOLLI An Easter Treat

SAFEGUARDING OUR FAITH COMMUNITIES The Society of Christian Doctrine - Preca Community values the dignity of every person. We are especially committed to ensuring the care, well-being, and protection of children and vulnerable persons in our faith communities.

CONTENTS 3

DELEGATES MESSAGE

6

RETURNED TO THE FATHER

7

SHALOM WORLD TV

9

PRESERVING THE COLLECTIVE MEMORY OF THE SDC

10

PRECA ACTION

13

MY FAITH EXPERIENCE

15

FIGOLLI

16

FRIENDS OF PRECA COMMUNITY BADGE

17

MY EXPERIENCE IN THE PRECA COMMUNITY

19

A VIRTUE UNDER TRIAL

21

NOTRE DAME OF PARIS INFERNO

Bringing Christ to the World

Living in a Preca Community

An Easter Treat

Meekness

THE MUSEUM is issued for friends and associates of the Society of Christian Doctrine in the Australian Region.

M.U.S.E.U.M. represents the first letter of a prayer in Latin, Magister Untinam Sequatur Evangelium Universus Mundus translating Divine teacher, may the whole world follow the Gospel.

A Magazine of the Society of Christian Doctrine, founded by Saint George Preca Cover photo: Saint George Preca with children - Meekness September 2018 - January 2019 80cm x 125cm (mixed media on panel) Ivan Grixti No 22 | April 2019 Editor: Peter L Judge Contact: Society of Christian Doctrine - Preca Community Preca Centre - Forteviot 500 Sandy Bay Road, Lower Sandy Bay 7005 P: 61 3 6225 1646 E: sdcpreca@internode.on.net This magazine is also available online at: www.precacommunity.org GOT A STORY? sdcpreca@internode.on.net Design: Fraynework

DELEGATE’S WELCOME ADDRESS John Micallef written by

OPENING OF THE 62ND AUSTRALIAN PRECA AGM

Introduction Trust and faithfulness Trust and faithfulness are essential to any community. They are like a good brother and sister. Family life, Church, schools … business relies on trust, and faithfulness. The world hungers for trustworthy people … especially leaders – when this fails, there is chaos. The Preca inspiration “and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well,1 emphasises faithfulness to the Lord and to the community. The existential German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche wrote:

“I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that 3

from now on I can’t believe you.” 2 Unfortunately, in the catholic Church we have a major crisis in trust. New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan described the year 2018 as a “Year from hell”. A prominent cardinal, the former Archbishop of Washington, resigned in disgrace. Grand jurors accused hundreds of Catholic clerics of secretly abusing children. A former Vatican ambassador urged the Pope himself to step down. We have all experienced sad times – even here in Australia.

We need to treasure, protect, and to thank God for the gift of faithfulness and trust that we have with so many people. So many trust us with the

faith formation of their children. So many look up to us as “a light on the mountain” … Recently I was reminded of this by a mum who on hearing that the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are leaving the Sacred Heart Parish of Hindmarsh and Flinders Park said that “now Preca is more important to us, more than ever before.” Let us continue to jealously keep this faithfulness and trust that Preca enjoys while working hand in hand with the relevant authorities.

1

2 Timothy 2:2 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Friedrich Nietzsche (15 October 1844 – 25 August 1900) was a German philosopher, cultural critic, composer, poet, philologist, and Latin and Greek scholar whose work has exerted a profound influence on Western philosophy and modern intellectual history. While the predominant value of existentialist thought is commonly acknowledged to be freedom, its primary virtue is authenticity.

2

Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and a long time to repair.

Authenticity At the Annual Reflection Weekend at Sacred Heart Monastery in Croydon in 2017 we were reminded to count our blessings. The more I grow in Preca, the more I realise the blessings and wisdom we have. We have much to share and we are working very hard and sharing our resources to make this happen. But, ultimately at the heart of Preca ... what the world hungers for: are authentic people … in our circles Preca Members who gave and are giving their whole heart to God and Community … Preca Members where God and Community are first … In fact, when I asked a young woman in our community, completing her Year 12 exams, “what do you think God is asking of us, in Australia at this time?” she wrote and shared at church and at the youth group the concept of “on and off Catholics”

ill-intention, or perhaps even indulging in habits and, people that are unhealthy for our spirituality.

Then what is God asking of us: We must let God touch every part of our lives, our relationships and, our actions, whether that be inside or outside of church.

One of the primary virtues of modern thought (Existentialism developed by Nietzsche) is authenticity. Youth and young people have very sensitive and true real/fake sensors. They can see right through you if you are a true or a fake Preca Member, an “on / off Preca Member”. For some youth grey does not exit. There is no excuse for being fake or on / off.

It is so easy for us to walk into church (Preca Centre), with our hearts and spirits open to receive Christ, with a smile on our face and that trademark Christ-like love in our hearts. But, more often than not, as soon as we exit those doors, we switch off our Catholic mentality. We place ourselves above others, looking to fulfil our own needs, whether that be disregarding homeless people on the street, mistreating the earth, and its people…, talking about others with

4

Personal I have recently celebrated my 46th birthday and ironically … that same day last year I buried my mum. Time flies … I always say that it is a good thing believing that we are having a good time … however I feel a certain urgency … like a woman who wants to bear a child and whose biological clock is ticking away … I would like, as well as all of us for the Preca Community to grow. God wants it to grow … we need to make it grow...

but this needs a lot of time and energy which is getting more limited. For me and the Members in Adelaide this was the busiest missionary year since I arrived in Australia in July of 2004. It is really hard yakka … We give thanks that there is some growth in the Preca Community ... together with growing pains.

Unsure future Notwithstanding, the hard work and some signs of progress, Preca is facing an unsure future in Australia. While we are working very hard to give new life to Preca; this year I learned an important lesson … we have to focus on being faithful and rather choose to die faithful to our call rather than, in an effort to prolong Preca’s existence recruit unsuitable people, either members or associates - who might be unfaithful to our call and ruin the trust that Preca has painstakingly gained in the last 60 years in Australia. I would rather die young and faithful, rather than old and fake. I finish with a quote from Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker and, later a writer, who worked with her father and other family members

5

to help many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II by hiding them in her home.

They were caught and she was arrested and sent to a Nazi concentration camp:

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” And trustworthy Preca Members trust GOD!

RETURNED TO THE FATHER Charles Joseph Caruana Born 09 September 1930 in Malta - Passed away in Malta, 11 December 2018.

Incorporated – December 1948 Centres ministered in: Zejtun, Marsaxlokk, Mosta, Adelaide, South Australia, Sandy Bay, Warrane, Hobart.

Charles, a faithful member of the Society of Christian Doctrine - Preca Community arrived in Adelaide in 1960, and settled in Hobart in 1962 to share his faith among the people of Hobart.

In 1975 following the collapse of the Tasman Bridge in Hobart which divided the west of the city from the east, Charles moved to the east, and the Warrane centre was established. Later, up until 2004 he was the Leader at Sandy Bay. Originally worked in the Malta dockyards as a ship wrights. Employed in Hobart in the sheet metal industry working on building sites.

Early days in Hobart.

Charles on the harmonium.

India. Lover of fine architecture. Loved listening to talks on spiritual matters.

Chaplain to the Legion of Mary in Hobart; a position he took very seriously.

In 2009, Charles returned to his homeland Malta to reside at the Dar il-Hanin Samaritan home in St Venera.

A Memorial Mass presided by Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Doyle at Corpus Christi church, Bellerive was held on 29 December 2018.

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Rm 6:5

In 1987 he was awarded with a Citizenship Certificate from the Clarence City Council on the eastern shore of Hobart. This in recognition of 25 years of working among young people.

Following this in 2005 Charles was awarded a Community Service Award from the Glenorchy City Council for his work among the community.

In 2007 Charles attended the 100th Anniversary of the SDC in Malta and the Canonisation of George Preca in Rome.

Charles, far right pictured with Hobart community in 2004 who shared so much of his life.

An avid traveller visiting among others China and 6

SHALOM WORLD TV

BRINGING CHRIST TO THE WORLD From a beginning as a small prayer group in 1989, ShalomTV has spread its wings beyond its wildest dreams today. With a view to spread the Gospel through mass media, the Shalom team has gone a long way forward. The team members of ShalomTV are committed in winning souls for Christ, making the dream of Jesus come true bringing Christ to the world.

Shalom Television is a Christian value based channel, catering to every cross-section of the society. Shalom broke new ground in 1998 as part of its mission through half-hour programmes named “Samadhanam Nammodukoode” (Peace be with us) in the “Asianet” channel. With a conviction to start a 24 hour television, Shalom launched its official television channel in March 2005. Shalom television broadcasts a new breed of original Christian programming around the world reaching throughout the Asian continent, UK, Europe, and the US. Based in India where the central office is located near to the picturesque Peruvannamoozhi Dam area in the district of Calicut, Kerala.

Transmitting the word of God through the mainstream media has been a labour of love for Shalom World TV, an international television network which started beaming internationally 7

in 2014 and has begun regular productions in Australia from September 2017.

Shalom World TV emerged from the Indian network, Shalom Television, which began in 2005, promoting the work of local parishes and providing other faith-specific programmes for Catholics, and for all people, transmitted in the regional Malayalam language.

Nine years later, it was decided that this work could be expanded to other countries in English, and Shalom World TV was set up, with its headquarters in Texas, USA. Since then, production centres have opened in the United Kingdom, Vatican City, Ireland, and Canada.

The channels in various countries aim to provide a platform for local evangelisation and tailored to the needs and understanding of the local culture.

With this in mind, Shalom World TV has become a platform in Australian-based Catholic groups and parishes to promote their work. There are programmes currently being recorded, as well as several programmes set for recording in Australia.

Covering major catholic events in Australia, ShalomTV is keen to support activities in the Australian church.

Viewers can access Shalom World through the website: www.shalomworldtv.org Shalom World can also be watched from anywhere across the globe, on the following connected TV devices and platforms (www. shalomworldtv.org/connected-tv): Apple TV, Roku, AndroidTV, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindlefire, Chromecast, Samsung SmartTV, LG Smart TV, Hisense, Panasonic, Vizio, Xbox One and Opera TV, which is on most TIVO boxes.

The network also has a free app that is available on smartphones or tablets for both iOS and Android devices available by going to www. shalomworldtv.org/mobile-apps.

It is also available on all Microsoft Windows 10 personal computers and also available on Apple Mac computers.

Peter Judge, a Member of the Preca Community in Hobart delivers a message on the reading from the Gospel of John on the Passion story.

8

PRESERVING THE COLLECTIVE MEMORY OF THE SDC First Communion 1962 in Gudja, Malta. Woman Members identified by the wearing of the ‘għonnella’, traditional cape-like garment, and insignia of the SDC. At this time, the ‘għonnella’ was progressing towards a gradual phasing out.

Members in 1958 heading towards St Paul’s Shipwreck church, Valletta. Easily identified by the SDC badge. Some with insignia of the SDC, most without! Please assist us in identifying the occasion.

9

PRECA ACTION Training Workshops

Family Lunch Gathering

Seven young Preca Companions in Mission in Adelaide are in training to make Jesus better known and loved in the Preca tradition.

A shared lunch with families and friends at the St Albans Centre was held on 7 October 2018. Following lunch two sessions were held for adults and young people based on the theme ‘Growing in faith’.

Inauguration of Visit of St George Preca Steps Superior General On 27 December 2018, the Valletta Local Council officially named the steps next to the Parliament of the Republic of Malta as St George Preca Steps.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Secretary General, Ruben Pace spoke of the link between the Founder and Valletta.

Looks like a cold day in Melbourne. Natalino Camilleri, Superior General enjoys an excursion with the Melbourne Members.

10

Annual General Meeting Members on an excursion to Botanic Gardens, Melbourne during AGM2019 held at Mannix College, Clayton.

Scripture Rosary Gathering of Members and Friends at Holy Cross, Templestowe praying the scripture rosary.

Members gathered at the AGM2019 at Mannix College, Clayton combined celebrate anniversaries adding collectively to 400 years.

Rite of Election

Friends Visit

RCIA Candidates from Parish of Laverton, prepared by the Members attend the Rite of Election at St Patrick’s cathedral, Melbourne on 10 March, 2019.

Friends of the SDC, Joseph, his wife Salwa, Joseph, Peter, Joseph’s wife Gayle visit Preca Centre, Hobart.

11

Fr Rob Galea Visits Preca in Adelaide

Preca Family Summer Weekend

To celebrate the year of Youth, Narita Perrotta, a friend of Preca, invited Fr Rob Galea to visit the Preca Community in Adelaide in October 2018. Fr Rob shared with a crowd of over 100 people, his story of following Jesus. He sang several song and shared a presentation called “Four Stars” about the grandeur of God and the Universe.

Over 70 people attended the third Preca Family Summer Weekend, held at Adare Castle at Victor Harbour (85km South of Adelaide CBD) between the 11th and the 13th of January. Workshops, morning prayer, rosary, community meals and excursions provided an opportunity for all to strengthen the faith community and share wisdom. The main theme for the retreat was ‘Holiness’. Bishop Charles Gauci attended and spoke about the devils’ attempts to divide the Preca Community and thwart the Preca Mission!

Quiz on Voice of the Beloved

Apollo Bay Preca Teens’ Camp

Four teams of 15 participants each competed in the annual Quiz of the Voice of the Beloved and other scriptural quotes in Adelaide on the 18th January 2019. . Each team needed to learn about one hundred quotes from scripture. Most adults were no match for a few young fresh minds who nearly memorised all 100!

Victorian Preca Members organised the annual Apollo Bay camp for teens, a tradition for over 30 years, between 9-11 April. Highlights of the camp were swimming and playing on the beach, hikes, a camp fire with roasted marshmallows, and the tradition community prayers and mass at the local Parish of ‘Our Lady Star of the Sea’.

12

MY FAITH EXPERIENCE

LIVING IN A PRECA COMMUNITY Jean Jose Varghese an international pharmaceutical student from Kottayam Kerala, India lives with the Preca Community in Hobart.

With other international students he shares in the spirit and chrisma of the Preca Community.

Jean also helps to facilitate a Monday Evening International Prayer Meeting which is held in the chapel at Preca Centre - Forteviot, Hobart. This is his story: According to tradition, in the year 52 AD, Christianity in Kerala was founded by St Thomas the Apostle, who landed on the Malabar Coast.

My family as with most in the state of Kerala who are Christians are very godly oriented. The churches are full; including young people, and people take their faith very seriously. My family belongs to the Syro-Malabar rite.

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is one of the 22 Eastern (Oriental) Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. The Syro-Malabar Church, shares a deep-rooted spirituality and has many vocations to priesthood and religious life. It can be considered as one of the most vibrant Catholic communities in the world.

In my life, I am thankful for my education, my financial security, and for my health. I owe 13

all of these and other aspects of my life to God, our creator.

Attending pharmacy studies at the University of Tasmania, I was occasionally challenged financially, and emotionally. It is not easy being in a foreign country without family support.

The Church was there to help and I came across a parishioner from my church Holy Spirit church, Sandy Bay, whom I believe was sent from God to assist me. I now look back on this time with renewed faith as my trust in God was strengthened.

It was not be accident that I came to live in Preca Centre in Hobart which has been providential for me. Living there, sharing in the charisma and spirit of St George Preca, I am able to continue my daily prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the Preca chapel, attend Mass there, and Adoration.

My parents are very pleased with this and often tell me how lucky I am.

Preca Centre also provides a haven for quiet study; not too many distractions. The house has a peaceful aura wherein harmony and a safe haven to live in is provided.

Today I am an acolyte at Holy Spirit church, Sandy

Preca chapel

Bay. For me this is very rewarding and helps me to connect directly with the Church.

I constantly give thanks for becoming involved with the Preca Community in Hobart.

Jean Jose Varghese

Jean delivers his experiences to Preca Members gathered at Maryknoll, Blackmans Bay.

Jean and Henry in their vegie patch. A great source of joy for all of us at Preca Centre, Hobart.

14

FIGOLLI

AN EASTER TREAT The figolla is a traditional Maltese sweet cake for Easter, the form of which varies from a human figure to a ‘colomba’ (= dove). The Founder, St George Preca introduced the custom on Easter Sunday wherein a figolla in the shape of a lamb is given to those attending SDC centres; in memory of the Lamb of God who was crucified and resurrected for our justification.

The pastry itself is made of a short crust like dough, sandwiched, and filled with almond paste.

There are lots of different recipes which are readily available online.

It has been a long-held tradition in the Preca Communities for the leader to present a figolla to each person who attends the Centre.

Like the pavlova for the Australians, it is best to have some experiments before presenting it to others.

Figolli is the plural for figolla coming from the latin word figura; it’s a famous traditional treat eaten on Easter Sunday in Malta. It looks like a big biscuit cake although most Maltese would disagree with that explanation. Originally it was made in the shape of a woman, a man, a fish or a basket; ancient symbols of fertility like the chocolate egg which is always placed on top of each figolla. Without the egg (which is sometimes cut in half ) it’s not an original figolla! Times changed and more shapes became popular such as lambs, hearts, stars, and a few other Easter related figures. Meike Peters who records this history on her cookery website was given a fish and a bird by her mother-in-law with which Meike was happy about her choice as the dough extends quite a bit while it’s baking.

The exchange of Figolli is alive and well in the Preca Communities!

The decoration of a figolla is very important and involves lots of colourful sugar coating and icing.

15

Adapted from http://www.meikepeters.com/ by Meike Peters. Meike also has a step-by-step recipe if interested. Used with permission.

Preca Community in Adelaide rejoice in their finished product.

FRIENDS OF PRECA COMMUNITY BADGE We now have available a pin on badge or a necklace for those who wish to wear one.

With the words inscribed; ‘Preca, Jesus, son of GOD became one of us’; the badges display our commitment to the ‘word made flesh’.

Available to all.

Please contact sdcpreca@internode.on.net if you wish to have one or more, specifying badge and/ or necklace, together with your address details.

16

Jonas, 4th from right at Preca Centre Adelaide in 2014.

MY EXPERIENCE IN THE PRECA COMMUNITY In 2013, my family and I were invited to the Preca Community by John Micallef after the conclusion of Mass at Our Lady of the Manger church at Findon. I was 13 at the time. We were told that the Preca Community leads a youth group every Friday evening. This included time to play sports like soccer and basketball, and time spent reflecting about God and the bible.

This amazed me and made me reflect on my own struggles and sufferings in my life. I reflected that: afflictions are part of life, but as long as we keep trusting in God and continue to pray then we will be able to endure and overcome any adversity. Also, attitudes similar to Chiara’s lead to living a happy, loving, and fulfilling life. And, what is life without challenges?

At 13, I only came to the youth group because of sports, and I was not very interested about God. However, as I attended more sessions and started to listen more, I felt happy and excited.

This feeling was similar to the joy and freedom I used to experience following the endurance of a long hour of church liturgy when I would rather be elsewhere.

Chiara Badano, in the end was not afraid of death as she strongly believed that she would be with Jesus for eternity. Again if Chiara was able to overcome her terminal illness with heroic faith, then all of us can overcome ongoing struggles with God on your side. As St Paul says “If God is with us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

The faith formation sessions led by a Preca Member were always informative and relevant for me. One of the sessions was about Chiara Badano; a young Italian teenager who is currently in the process of being honoured as a saint. She battled with bone cancer for around 2 years.

Chiara felt calm upon realising her diagnosis due to her strong faith and trust in God. She also endured such sufferings from cancer through God. 17

I still vaguely remember my first time at the youth group run by the Preca Community. In 2013 there were only a few people. On my first day I was warmly welcomed by the Preca Brothers, who took away my concerns and worries I had of meeting new people, as I was a very shy person.

I made new friends through playing sport with the other youth. Also, I was able to do so without fear of judgement, as I felt a genuine peaceful aura amongst youth. I guess that this was most

likely due to sharing something in common: faith, love, and belief in God. As the number of times I attended youth group on Fridays increased, so did my faith in God. This decreased my boredom during the weekly 30 minute faith formation sessions. My increasing faith was the result of becoming more attentive and reflective on what I learned. I believe that in our secular Australian culture, having the opportunity to learn and know God is a great blessing and privilege. Knowledge about God at a young age can serve as a strong faith foundation which can enable faith to flourish as young people grow.

I am also grateful for the recent opportunity to be a junior catechist for a group of children who are from 8 to 10 years old. Preparing and delivering faith formation sessions is giving me the opportunity and grace to share my faith in God. I hope to be a positive influence and inspire the children entrusted to me, to grow in their relationship with God. Preca Community retreats are the absolute best!

It is a time in which we are able to strengthen our faith in God through praying together and celebrating mass as a community. In addition, they are an opportunity to spend more time with other members of the community and get to know them more. This strengthens the relationship I have with the other youth, which simultaneously increases our faith in God as we share the same faith (unlike friends at university). This enables us to empathise and relate about our struggles, successes, good, and bad times.

The bond between members in the community also increased through activities and games.

One memorable activity was making up a short skit at the Summer Preca Family at Adare, Victor Harbour in January 2017. Families were created, where two young people unrelated to each other were given a mother and father, who were drawn by lots. Each family had to brainstorm possible performances that they could do in front of the community. At the end it was a hit, with much laughter!

have this thought: “With any personal approach, do so with love”. Therefore, when I speak to others I do my best to listen to them and respond accordingly with love as best I can. Another area I wanted to tackle from personal development was my confidence. Confidence in myself and my abilities increased after learning at Preca that we have to love ourselves before we can truly love others. That means accepting who we are as a person and our differences e.g. personality, looks etc. as God created us to be unique individuals.

I do my best to attend the Preca Come and See youth group because it is a time where everyone just truly loves each other. Love resonates around the Preca community – which is truly a great feeling to be surrounded with such love. I am sure others feel the same way, and I believe this genuine love could be one of the reasons why members continue to be part of the Preca Community.

Jonas Arevalo Second year Occupational Therapy Student at the University of South Australia

Jonas, centre at a games night at the Preca Centre Adelaide – celebrating end of university exams November 2018.

I have been in the Preca community for around seven years now and I am so thankful to be surrounded by this community. This is because, the community has greatly assisted me in many areas of personal development. One of which includes increasing my communication skills with others, which I believe I am slowly improving and continue to do my best in overcoming my shyness. When speaking with others, I always 18

A VIRTUE UNDER TRIAL

written by

Ivan Grixti

MEEKNESS

The virtue of meekness is often misunderstood.

Simply put it is the one virtue that allows us to remain ourselves in the midst of adversity. It is not concerned with weakness but enables a person to do good in response to evil. George Preca was faced with adversity during the foundation years of his group.

George was challenged and mocked when he put it to the authorities that the common people had the right to be taught religion and moreover to understand something about it. He went even further than this and wished for his followers to teach religion, making use of Scriptures, and theological discernment.

The Church in Malta eventually felt that there was the need for such a society but feared that its members were not sufficiently trained to teach catechism. In 1909, the Maltese Church authorities ordered George to close down all his centres. Many parish priests themselves

19

protested with the ecclesiastical authorities and the ban was revoked by Vicar General, Salvatore Grech.

Between 1914 and 1915, a number of daily newspapers carried articles and letters denigrating the new movement. George ordered his members to make a vow of meekness, gladly forgiving anybody who mocked them or treated them with disdain. He also taught them “to love the contempt� they suffered and not to let it trouble them unduly. In 1916 an inquiry was held into the work of the new Preca movement.

Eventually, the inquest resulted in a glowing report for the young society and Archbishop Dom Mauro Caruana canonically approved the Society of Christian Doctrine on 12 April 1932.

The virtue of meekness remains a constant in the Preca Community; with Members, Associates, and Friends invited to pray daily for our enemies.

AN ARTIST’S INTERPRETATION of MEEKNESS When Ivan Grixti, a Member of the Preca Community in Poland was commissioned with this painting he says that he knew it was going to be a challenge to paint the face of St George Preca.

There are not many photographs of him. But more than his facial resemblance he sought to paint his character and his most prime and foremost virtue that he sought to live and also to teach others about it.

This is Ivan’s brief on the painting: With his smile George Preca radiates serenity, humility, and joy. His face reflects his interior state. The peace present in his heart cannot remain passive. He has to act. The Holy Spirit calls him to share the fire that lights in his heart.

The meekness of St George Preca is not only seen through his face but also through the action that he is leading. This action of ministering to children would be a rarity for a priest at his time.

But something is missing in the expression of the two boys. Indeed they had a quarrel. The joy and smile are absent. But George Preca is giving back the light that was lost.

Another element that cannot be left out is ‘the wall’. The wall on which the boy is sitting is a figurative element. The heart is the deepest place in us. Our hearts can become hard like stone and tender like flesh. Jean Vanier in his book: ‘Becoming human’, explains that, ‘Our hurts leave wounds in the heart... These hurts are at the origin of the barriers that we create.

These barriers and the wounds they cover up prevent healthy belonging because they prevent communication and openness. In order to become truly free, which is to be most human, these barriers have to be removed.’ The boy is at a point of decision. What is he going to do?

Is he going to jump down from the wall or turn around and go back to his abstract and confused thoughts?

Similar to a book, a painting can remind us what is most precious and important. May St George Preca bless us and pray for us to keep the flame of true love and true freedom always lighting in our hearts.

Visit Ivan’s new art gallery: www.kontempart.com

His hands show his efforts to reunite the two children. We do not know what caused the separation between the two. But we might predict what would happen in a few seconds. The boy sitting on the wall would look at St George and smile back to him, encouraged by his comforting words. Than the other boy would look at him as well, lift up his hands to apologise.

When I asked our SDC youth in Poznań, Poland where I minister, to share their feelings and interpretation, one of them said, that there are just three persons in the painting because the one at the back is an invisible being! In fact, one can interpret the girl at the back as an angel: the invisible presence that is always with us. She is looking directly to the viewer with a peaceful smile on her face. She already has the answer in her smile. Her smile indicates the future. She is reading in the hearts of St George and in the hearts of the two boys. The angel is happy to see that the kingdom of God is present on earth and in the hearts of human beings.

Saint George Preca with children - Meekness September 2018 - January 2019 80cm x 125cm (mixed media on panel) Ivan Grixti

20

NOTRE DAME OF PARIS INFERNO SOME FACTS Since 1163, Notre Dame has survived wars, vandalism, storms, flooding, and near-demolition.

Tragedy of an old friend and the destruction of a vital fragment of world history.

Why did it burn so quickly? Wooden structure and lead coating... that’s why!

The Rooster is on the spire is “alive” ... was found in the debris.

The Organ and its 8000 pipes were saved.

Plus the three rose windows were saved.

21

200,000 BEES 200,000 bees that were living on the roof of Notre Dame have survived the fire blaze! The three hives were put on the cathedral’s rooftop in 2013 for a biodiversity project. The bees are going in and out of their homes following the fire. Each hive produces approximately 25 kg of honey each year which is sold to the Notre Dame staff.

QUASIMODO Quasimodo, the name of the hunchback in Victor Hugo’s novel Notre-Dame de Paris (1831). Low Sunday,”, Quasimodo Sunday, from Latin quasi modo, first words of introit for the first Sunday after Easter: quasi modo geniti infantes “as newborn babes” (1 Pet. ii:2). The hunchback in Victor Hugo’s novel was supposed to have been abandoned as an infant at Notre Dame on this day, hence his name.

KING LOUIS XIII King Louis XIII offering his crown to Our Lady on 10 February, 1638, to thank (in advance!) the Virgin Mary on behalf of himself and his kingdom for the birth of a royal heir – the future Louis XIV – and to prove his absolute trust, made a vow of consecration of his person, his family, and France to Our Lady of the Assumption.

22