Special Feature

THE BLESSED GORG PRECA  By Daniel Bartolo S.Th.D., T.E.F.L.

My aim in this article is not to repeat the same news we've been hearing over and over again, but rather pick up some points, which could become catalysts for discussion. Discussion may lead to an improvement in the church's life in Malta. I aim for those people who are not afraid of discussing some hot or embarrassing issues. Anyone can use the MaltaMedia Forum to continue the discussion.

The Laity and Teaching
No one can deny that Dun Gorg's greatest miracle was surely the new structure he founded in the church - the active participation of the laity. Dun Gorg was really courageous in order to use the laity in a very positive way. In those times, the common practice was that teaching belonged to priests only. Hence suspicion was the "underground word". Dun Gorg had to fight this mentality especially as he couldn't quote of any other example on the Maltese islands. Nowadays thank God we have other groups or organisations within the church. In a few words, Dun Gorg was aware that to fight religious ignorance one had to use the laity in order to deliver home the message of Christ everywhere. One has to remember that the era of Dun Gorg Malta had a large number of priests. Many families had at least one son or daughter who was a member of religious order or a priest. Yet he still chose the laity in order to carry out such delicate work! Another point is that the priests cannot be in all places in all the times. The laity are very good instruments for this type of work. In certain areas, only the laity had the know-how in order to deliver the right message for the right person especially during normal working hours.

The fact that such a monumental system was born, it proves that the laity were really important in Dun Gorg's mind. In this regard we need to develop more positive thinking in the sense that statistics already show that in a few years time many parishes will continue to survive only with the help of the laity! On the other hand no visible programme is taking place which helps the laity to start to manage the parishes with their needs! Who is heeding to the writing on the wall? I'm not referring to the laity who take care of the cleaning of the church or of keeping all the candles flickering or who participate in processions, but rather people who help to plan the pastoral activities of the parish especially regarding the teaching of religion.

Teaching
Dun Gorg is going to be remembered for his dedication to the teaching of his religion. We need to make this choice once more in the Maltese parishes where their agenda is filled to the brim with all sorts of activities! Obviously Dun Gorg did prepare a whole new structure of formation for 'his teachers' who were going to be responsible for teaching about religion. Maybe it's time to revise such a programme because they fall into the trap everybody falls into at this historic time: they try to imitate Dun Gorg in all that he did, even tiny little details! Well the saint lives in a very particular time, hence one needs to adapt his teaching to the year 2001! Maybe they have to remember that teaching is not simply the passing on of information. Adaptation should be one of the keywords. One should understand the main principles of Dun Gorg and give them a new "face".

The Catechism
In the above sense I wish to contribute on the use of a book for religious teaching. In the days of Dun Gorg maybe the book was the main instrument for imparting religious knowledge, yet nowadays we have the multimedia experience. Why do we still put the emphasis on the book of catechism? The common experience in schools is that many children are still not accustomed to book reading! Hence it is already too risky to base the transmission of the religious message on a book! Celebrations and experiences should have a greater role in the teaching of religion. Secondly it is not possible to have one book for all Malta when the contemporary approach to teaching is to give personal attention to the person and its needs! Who is going to make such a bold move within the society? Maybe the MUSEUM needs to study a good definition of catechises in order to adapt its work to today's world.

False Accusations
Two bishops hindered Dun Gorg's work, at least for some time. This was not a case, which happened only in Dun Gorg's life. Unfortunately this does happen nowadays. The bishops many times are closed inside at the curia's building. Somebody must inform them. Surely some of the persons are quite influential. Why is it that a good cause has to face incredible obstacles from persons who should know much better? The persons who make the false accusations should be brought to justice, as the national mind sickness of sending anonymous information seems to be infinite. The irony of it is that many times the one who accuses is always hidden, the one who is accused has to face a lot of questions in front of people he/she doesn't know. Many times his personal and private life is trod upon! Well if the people composing the commission of human rights think that there is no work for them they should revise their job description as in this regard there is plenty of work. This problem causes an irreparable damage to the church when a person full of enthusiasm starts a wonderful project only to be met with a firm 'no' from the officers at the curia. In the case of Dun Gorg the bishops had reversed their decision but this is not the case in many illustrious examples!

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