Archbishop Charles Scicluna Marks 40th Anniversary Of His Priestly Ordination

Archbishop Charles Scicluna celebrated Mass on Saturday to mark the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination, together with several priests who were ordained alongside him on 11 July 1986 by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

At the start of the celebration, Archbishop Scicluna prayed for his fellow priests commemorating the milestone and remembered one of their colleagues who has since passed away. He also paid tribute to Archbishop Mercieca, recalling the important role he played in their priestly journey.

Coinciding with the Feast of Saint Benedict, Patron Saint of Europe, the Archbishop offered special prayers for priestly vocations across Europe. He prayed that the witness and example of priests would inspire young people to respond generously to Christ's call and embrace the vocation to which they are being called.

During his homily, Archbishop Scicluna reflected on four decades of priestly ministry, saying he and his fellow priests had every reason to thank God for the blessings they had received throughout their lives and service. He highlighted the gift of life and remembered their parents, while also praying that Christian families would continue to be blessed with children, describing priests as the fruit of that blessing.

The Archbishop also stressed that the mission of priests extends beyond celebrating the Eucharist. He said they are called to care for the People of God and to engage with a society that is constantly changing but continues to seek truth, peace, beauty, goodness and justice. He added that these aspirations ultimately reflect a deep longing for God, and said priests must respond with humility, compassion and faithful service.