In the oldest Church in the world dedicated to Saint Teresa, in Cospicua Malta, the feast of Saint Teresa was celebrated with solemnity and joy. Festivities had to be curtailed because of the COVID restrictions and yet nothing was amiss to make sure that our Holy Mother be celebrated with dignity.
It all started with a triduum of high masses. The celebrants and homilists were the Fathers of this same community. On the first day, Father Karm spoke about Teresa’s fidelity and devotion to the Church even if sometimes the people of the Church did not treat her fairly. On the second day, Father Adrian preached on her fierce love of prayer amidst her turbulent life. And Father Alfred, the prior, underlined a trait in her character which made her the woman that she was, namely her strong determination to do the Will of God.
Father Juan, the provincial, together with the Provincial of the O.Carms, presided the final solemn high mass. His homily centered on the three requisites, as outlined by Saint Teresa herself, to a life of prayer, namely humility, detachment and love of others.
The bells rang all day on this day. Their jubilant noises reminded everyone that the feast of Saint Teresa is on today. The choir in the Church sang simply yet powerfully.
The main parts of the Church were decorated in crimson red. This red damask was weaved in its entirety by one of our Fathers, Father Martin.
And just a few blocks away, the small but vibrant community of our Carmelite Sisters in Santa Margerita also celebrated the feast of our ‘Holy Mother’ as we endearingly call her. Here they are, all smiling at having such a wonderful Mother.
