Christmas story reminds us why we should welcome refugees - Archbishop

Archbishop Charles Scicluna yesterday expressed his support of President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, who recently condemned the government’s plans to deport a group of failed asylum seekers to Mali.

“We should be a friendly society, ready to welcome all those in need, even if it comes as a challenge to us. With God’s grace, we are benefitting from a strong economy - for which we should thank the Maltese government - but this also means that we have few excuses to not act more generously towards others. In fact, this new wealth is an occasion for us to be even more generous.

“We have a large labour market and the potential to act more generously to others, so let’s thank God for our wealth by being courageous and generous enough to distribute it amongst ourselves and amongst others.”

Archbishop Scicluna also urged Maltese Christians to use the nativity story of Jesus’ birth as an example of why refugees should be helped out and welcomed.

“Joseph had to flee Israel and seek refuge in Egypt to save Jesus and his mother. Jesus took his first steps and lived his early years as a refugee,” Mgr Scicluna said in a speech to the public at the Curia’s annual Christmas reception.

“This reminds us of the importance of the work carried out by civil society and the Maltese government in favour of the dignity of our brothers who have special needs.”