Caritas is not only for the people, but a product of the people
The non-profit organisation Caritas celebrates 50 years of being on the side of people who are in need. It was Archbishop Mikiel Gonzi and Bishop Nikol Cauchi who began the first National Council of Caritas on the island on 11 November 1968.
At a conference commemorating the 50-year anniversary, the director of the Malta Caritas Foundation, Anthony Gatt, explained the history and development of Caritas. An international organisation, Caritas has over 160 federations around the world, divided into seven regions, and Caritas Malta falls under the European region, alongside another 46 represented countries.
Gatt reflected that in the past 50 years numerous individuals and volunteers had given so much of their time and dedication to make all that the organisation has achieved. He went on to say that Caritas was not only for the people, but a result of people coming together to bring about social justice.
The ‘wounds’ of society
The director of Caritas Malta reflected on how the Archdiocese of Malta had always focussed its attention on the vulnerable in society. He said that within Maltese society there are many who were unaware of those suffering mentally, physically and spiritually on a daily basis.
The reality for Caritas is that many come searching for help and support, yet Gatt noted there was a big gap between the rich and the poor in Malta. He also said that there few youths were willing to take up social welfare careers; which brings up the issue of whether compassion among the Maltese was under threat.
Gatt also pointed out in the conference that Caritas was concerned regarding the legalisation of cannabis not just for medicinal practice. While he agreed that prevention is better than cure, Gatt said that the legalisation of cannabis would only make it more popular among adolescents.
Another damage noticed within Maltese society is the rise of divorce and separation in addition to a lack of respect towards matrimonial ties. Gatt noted that there was a lack of respect towards one another, such as lack of respect shown towards elders and to the environment.
He said Caritas was worried about the rise in alienation and solitude, adding that when there was a lack of community, a person was more likely to suffer. That was why Caritas Malta and the Faculty of Social Well-Being have collaborated in a campaign on loneliness.
Gatt ended the conference by stating that it was everyone’s responsibility to work towards healing the wounds of society, and the authorities must help push the civilians to do their part.
50 years of Caritas: new logo and re-branding of website
The modernising of the Caritas Malta logo was also part of 50th anniversary commemoration. The revamped logo is the Flaming Cross, which symbolises the love of Christ. The definition of Caritas is the Christian love of humankind, reflecting on compassion and charity for others.
Apart from the logo, the Caritas Malta website (www.caritasmalta.org) was also re-launched and information regarding activities and services was updated. Gatt stressed on the importance of the website, as many are able to seek help through the online portal.
To celebrate the anniversary, for 50 weeks Caritas Malta will also be posting weekly videos labelled #Caritasin50ways, promoting means of compassion and kindness.
As done in previous years, this one being the fourth consecutive year, Caritas will also be hosting a Christmas lunch on 25 December for those who unfortunately have no one to spend the day with. The meal will be taking place at Archbishop’s Curia.