A Theological Outlook
on the traditional Maltese celebration of Easter
by Daniel Bartolo

The usual pro and con debate in Malta of such traditions is never a dull one. Maltese people do conversations and discussions at top of their voice! Maybe it's frightening for some tourists but actually it's a normal custom for those acquainted with the Maltese culture.

The perspective of the tourist is always of awe. Easter celebrations sell the uniqueness of our national character and surely the minister of tourism would never dream of leaving our traditions aside! Many people would go on the dole if we ever dream of stopping these traditions.

The outward expression of Faith

Faith can be witnessed outside the church's building especially at this time of the year. Lesson number one for baptised people is that men or women need a tangible spirituality. They need to see something alive. They have to participate such as when the Roman pageantry passes through the inner streets of their village. They need some creativity. In parishes whenever there are such experiences one can feel the enthusiasm of the people around. They look forward to such events even though they don't differ much from last years. One can see an explosion of colours, damask, statues, flowers, chandeliers, acting, movement, creativity and strong communication.

The fact that advertising agencies and fashion shows (i.e. they are being defined as 'modern processions') spring up everywhere proves that the 'outward look' is and will always be fashionable. On the other hand, they prove that we can't be happy that we're passing around a statue or somebody wearing a Roman garment of 2000 years ago! Although on a religious level people need something tangible it has to be much more deep for their faith. The problem is how to find a suitable outward look for religious expressions in these days and time.

If radio and TV programs have discussions and phone-ins, the church must in one way or another make people the centre of its celebrations. The sit and listen approach has died many years ago! We cannot simply continue with same vocabulary, vests and actions simply because liturgy cannot be changed. The lesson is that baptised people need to participate more in church celebrations! A careful study about Jesus reveals that He changed a lot as long as it helped people to meet God. Stalemate is surely not God's will.

A critical look on these celebrations

If one is living in a particular community then one cannot impose a particular expression of faith on the rest of the community. If a part of a community strongly emphasises the importance of centuries old traditions, the rest of the community has every right in order to look to new expressions.

The people who study the religious expressions of people would not be so enthusiastic. The number one criteria would be, are these people meeting Christ? If one were familiar with the Maltese culture then one would agree that for a section of the population it's the only way where they can meet Christ. Either they were never taught how to communicate and express their feelings with God or otherwise they were incapable of change. It's impossible to ask for a radical change in their minds and hearts as long as they are happy with the situation!

What makes one wonder is the future look of our faith. A cultural expression although it comes from the bottom of the heart never stays forever. People change. Times change. A nation changes too. There comes a time when people will look for other expressions. What will happen then? Will the catholic church in Malta be able to withstand the challenge? In days gone by the whole village used to attend for such activities. Nowadays one notices less people even though one can still witness crowds. This is because population has soared to record levels in comparison with for example fifty years ago. Some people are choosing to divert their attention to other 'worldly' attractions during these sacred days. It's useless to sell outdated products to such 'different' people. In one way or another they will bring about a radical change in our culture.

Some possible changes

Instead of the usual pilgrimage/pageants with the usual statues or actors one can organise pageants with scenes from today's life. It makes religion relevant with today's life. The 'ezercizzi' cannot be a true substitute for a sound catechisis! The blessing of the houses during Easter time is not a true family visit because it has to be carried out in a hurry. It's time to carry out true family visit throughout the whole year. Surely it will be time consuming but it will be most fulfilling. Instead of scrupulous thinking about fasting, one needs to emphasise more actions towards less fortunate people, especially making friends with them and sharing some time with them. Some of the prayers being recited in church do not use today's everyday simple language. Secondly they are not reflecting the present situation in the world.

Many people may question, why do we need to change? The elusive point is that the believing community is made up of different people with different needs. Many practical priests are accused of being 'modern' simply because they don't see the same angle of the same reality. Change rarely comes from the people at the top position (i.e. priests). Experience proves that changes usually come from the common people. Therefore it's not a question of throwing away useful traditions but rather of finding the correct expression of faith for the 'lost sheep'. We cannot force old traditions on people with a different outlook on life.

The future challenge

The challenge is that the old and the new are not so different even though apparently they are totally opposite. The principles outlined in the first part of this article create a common ground for both old and new expressions of faith. This is observed in the so-called New Faith religion. If one examines some actions, one feels a common ground with the old church actions but in a new dress or form! Can't we make an effort in order to make sure that the Catholic Faith continues to be the soul and character of the Maltese identity? If we insist on centuries-old traditions we may risk having a museum-style religion instead of a living one.

If those in authority will not yield to a new popular expression to our faith, the common people will do that in their own creative and unique way.