Archbishop regrets falling attendance at Sunday Mass

Every Christian should feel the need to celebrate Sunday, mostly by taking part in the Holy Eucharist, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca said yesterday.

In a message to the Maltese people following the Eucharistic Congress, Mgr Mercieca said although until a few years ago the majority of the Maltese were eager to hear Sunday Mass, this was sadly no longer the case.

"Maybe because of the changes in socio-economic conditions, or because of a weaker faith, the number of people going to Mass on Sundays is declining considerably," he said.

The Archbishop said Sunday was very important in the life of a Christian, as well as in the history of the Church, since it reminded the faithful of Christ's victory over death.

He urged the Maltese to look at Mass as Pope Benedict XVI had recommended - not only as an imposed obligation, but as a necessity for the Christian to find the energy necessary during the journey of life.

Mgr Mercieca said the Holy Eucharist was the fulcrum of Sunday, and true Christians took part in the meal with God. He added that it was important for Christians to prepare their soul properly before the Eucharist.

The Archbishop appealed to parents to take part in Holy Eucharist together.