On Saturday 16th November 2024, members, volunteers and workers of the Catholic Action were invited to attend the General Assembly. This year there were over 150 people who participated in this activity which was held at the Oratory in Mġarr.
The activity began with a mass, concelebrated by Mons Frans Abdilla, Fr Reuben Gauci, Fr Martin Micallef, Fr Sean Abela and Fr Paul Chetcuti. After the mass a discussion was held between Dr Nadia Delicata and Fr Reuben Gauci, led by Andreas Muscat, a member of the ŻAK Mġarr. The discussion dealt with the theme for the upcoming year “The seventy-two men came back in great joy” and how the members of the AKM, can be pilgrims of hope in their everyday lives. Among the things that were discussed, there was the importance of their role and their attitudes as members and volunteers towards everyone they meet, because as we read in Evangelii Gaudium, the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of those who encounter Jesus.
Dr Delicata and Fr Reuben mentioned how they feel joy because they know that they can turn to the Lord and he will welcome them with love. During the mission which was entrusted to them, there are instances when they are welcomed, but also instances when they are not welcomed, they might be filled with energy but they might also be tired. However, they also know that when they will go to the Lord he will welcome them… and that fills them with joy. Emphasis was given to the fact that we do not have to think of extraordinary things. Both Dr Delicata and Fr Reuben stressed how hope, and therefore also joy, come from our relationship and personal encounter with Jesus Christ. There was an opportunity for members to think and reflect on what it means to them that God is with them, what they go through in their daily lives.
After this panel discussion, the members had to divide themselves in smaller workshop groups and together answer the question, how they, as members of Catholic Action, can they be heralds and signs of hope? What are those small apostolic actions they carry out in their daily lives? Several participants recounted “normal” things from the life of AKM groups and also things that as members of Catholic Action they do in various environments, such as school, at work, in the family, in the parish and in any other place they are. There were a number of people who gave their personal experience where they were a sign of hope to others around them. Among them were leaders of ŻAK who visit and support other leaders and ŻAK centers, a young couple from the AK who are preparing for marriage, a mother and son, members of the AKM, who are taking the initiative to bring about change with regards to the natural environment, a member of the AK who volunteers and assists in the parish life, and adult AK members who also support and help other leaders and groups where necessary.
After the workshops, the General Assembly concluded with a speech by the President of the Maltese Catholic Action, Marija Cachia. The activity ended with a time of socializing together and of course, food.
