True welcome for Christ's representative

It has been reported in the local media that the civil authorities are doing their utmost to make sure that Pope Benedict XVI is given a stately welcome as any other head of state. This is expected and recommended. But as a Catholic and one who believes that the Pope, as a successor of Peter and the visible Head of the Church, has been appointed by Christ Himself to represent Him on earth, I would like us Christians to take this opportunity to renew our faith and to welcome our Pope, not only as a head of state but mostly and more importantly as our Spiritual Leader who represents Christ on earth.

Let us with open hearts and minds listen to his message and receive the special graces that Jesus will be showering on each one of us through His representative. Today, more than ever, we have to publicly show that we still believe in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as it was founded by Christ Himself in spite of the latest scandals of some of its ministers. Because man is human, weak and prone to sin he will go on erring, but because Christ is holy, full of mercy and compassionate He will go on sanctifying His Church and will remain with it till the end of times.

Let us, therefore, as firm believers in Christ and His teachings, look at the Pope for what he is and whom he represents. When greeting him let us not simply be onlookers and gaze as tourists but, as firm believers, let our outward manifestation represent our inward belief.

Yes, let us pray for our nation that together with all its achievements, our faith, which St.Paul through God's providence brought to our islands, will be the most important trademark that distinguishes us from other nations.