THE SACRED DUTY OF EVERY MALTESE HOME: EMBRACING CATHOLIC IMAGERY

by Concerned Citizen

The tradition of displaying sacred imagery is deeply rooted in our history. It’s not the geographical boundaries that make upMalta but our people and their faith. For centuries, ourfamilies have turned to these icons in times of joy and sorrow, finding strength in the gaze of the saints and solace in the image of the Crucified Christ. To place a cross above the doorway or a picture of the Madonna in the living room is to invite the divine into our daily lives. It is a declaration that our homes are not just buildings of stone, but sanctuaries of faith where the presence of God is cherished.

For children, growing up surrounded by these sacred images is a blessing beyond measure. From their earliest years, they learn to associate the cross with Christ’s sacrifice, the image of St. Joseph with fatherly protection, and the serene face of the Blessed Virgin with maternal care. These visual catechisms teach them the stories of our faith without the need for words. In a world that bombards young minds with moral confusion, these images provide an anchor, a constant reminder of what is true and eternal.

Suffering is what unites us all, irrespective of which political tribe we belong to. Grappling with family issues we might find solace in a crucifix as it serves as a tangible reminder of Christ’s suffering and love, offering comfort in shared struggle. Statues of saints are like silent companions, easing our isolation with their presence. These items ground us in faith, providing a sense of stability when chaos threatens to overwhelm. The crucifix, often hung prominently, invites prayer or reflection, a quiet anchor amid emotional storms. The ritual of lighting a candle before them channels ourworries into the sacred.

For us parents, Catholic imagery reminds us of our sacred duty to raise our children in the fear and love of God, as Scripture commands: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). A child who bows the head before a holy picture learns humility; one who gazes at the suffering Christ learns compassion. These lessons, absorbed through the eyes and heart, shape character in ways that words alone cannot. 

Just as the Incarnation brought God into the physical world, so too do these images bridge the divine and the human. They are windows to the sacred, drawing us closer to the mysteries of our faith. 

Let us continue our commitment to this holy practice. Every Maltese house should be a domestic church, adorned with crosses, holy pictures, and paintings that proclaim our faith. The impact on our children will be a generation rooted in God’s love, resilient in the face of a secular tide. With sacred images as our companions, we ensure that prayer and the presence of God remain the heartbeat of every Maltese home.