Pontiff looks forward to Malta visit

(April 13, 2010) : Pope Benedict XVI is looking forward to his visit to the Maltese Islands this week-end said Vatican Secretary of state. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone affirmed this in a message released Saturday, in which he sent the Pontiff’s greetings to the people of Malta. "In the days of preparation that remain, His Holiness asks you to pray that his visit will be a time of spiritual renewal for the whole Church in Malta and Gozo," the message stated.
Cardinal Bertone also said “At a time when the Maltese people celebrate with particular joy the 1950th anniversary of St. Paul's arrival on their shores, the Holy Father commends all of you to the intercession of that great apostle and missionary, who tirelessly proclaimed the good news of the crucified and risen Lord to the people of the Mediterranean." Noting that the universal Church is celebrating the Year for Priests, the message said “the Pope urges you in particular to value the great gift of the priesthood and to support and pray for your priests, so that they may grow in fidelity and enthusiasm for the ministry." The message concluded with prayers to an outstanding Maltese priest, St. George] Preca, to whom, in a special way, he entrusts his forthcoming visit," Cardinal Bertone added in his message.
St. George (1880-1962) was a Catholic priest in Malta who founded the Society of Christian Doctrine, an organization of lay catechists. He was proclaimed the first Catholic saint from that nation, and was canonized on June 3, 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.