As educators in our school community, it is vital to help children reflect on the meaning of life and death from a young age, through the lens of reason, faith and hope. The feasts of All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints, and All Souls invite us to explore the mystery of life beyond death in a way that is honest, compassionate, and deeply rooted in our Christian tradition. These celebrations help students grow in their understanding of God’s love, the communion of saints, and the promise of eternal life, offering a counterbalance to fear with faith-filled hope.
Ages
- Early Years
- Primary Years
- Middle Years
- Secondary Years
- Post-Secondary Years
Why do we educate through these celebrations?
Catholic Christians celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, affirming the values of life, love, and hope. These celebrations nurture their relationship with God and with the entire communion of the faithful, which exists in the one Church of Christ – those on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven. These feasts are celebrated as nature transitions into autumn, helping us reflect on the crucial realities of life and death.
In this way, these three days reveal the beautiful unity of the Church: on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven – all united in God’s love.
All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1st and is officially known as the Solemnity of All Saints. We remember our elder brothers and sisters who have reached God’s presence and help us from heaven through their prayers and example.
All Souls’ Day is celebrated on November 2nd, and is officially called the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. It is a special day of prayer for those brothers and sisters who have completed their journey on this earth and need our love and help in purgatory. We are reminded of our deep connection with those who have passed before us. The entire month of November is considered a sacred time of remembrance, when we are especially encouraged to pray for our departed loved ones.
On the eve of these feasts, All Hallows’ Eve, referring to the vigil of All Saints’ Day on October 31st, we celebrate ourselves – the Church still on earth, struggling to reach the Lord. In recent years, Halloween has gained popularity in Malta. Though historically connected to the Catholic feast, Halloween today has largely become a secular and commercial celebration that often loses sight of the Christian values of life, hope, and eternal love.
Just as Easter is linked to the rhythm of spring and new life, All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days are tied to autumn, a season marked by falling leaves and natural decay. Yet, in the light of the Resurrection, Christians see in these signs not only death, but the promise of new life. The changing seasons, then, become symbols of a more profound truth: that in Christ, life triumphs over death. Even though we are still in this world, we can already experience the benefits of unity through faith and hope.
Learning outcomes related to this celebration
😃 Click on your section of interest.
Q&A – What focus or attitude should we bring to these days?
As Catholics, the feasts of All Saints and All Souls invite us to reflect on the deeper meaning of life, death, and eternal hope. These special days remind us of our connection with God and with all the faithful — those living, departed, and yet to come. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about these meaningful celebrations and their significance in our lives.
All Saints Day
1. Let’s not grow tired of promoting eternal truths and values
Run with perseverance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)
Why? The saints inspire us to live with eternity in mind, not just the present moment. Support children’s understanding that:
- Saints are “holy” men and women recognised by the Church to have lived lives “dedicated” to God and are now with Him in Heaven.
- Holiness is not far from us – it may well include our own loved ones, whose “lives may not always have been perfect, yet even amid their faults and failings they kept moving forward and proved pleasing to God” (Pope Francis).
- All are called to become holy, on the example of the saints – friends of God and ours – and with the help of their prayers.
 Meet and Pray with St Pier Giorgio Frassati & St Carlo AcutisPrayer activities and other resources related to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. |
 Millennials on the way to sainthood |
 Respect for the Saints and the Dead |
 Learning from the wise |
Learning from the wise – session |
 The Saints: Those who love God and Everyone |
Yes. The purpose of our life is to be united with God in love and to correspond entirely to God’s wishes. We should allow God “to live his life in us” (Mother Teresa). That is what it means to be holy: a “saint”. [Read further from the Catechism 2012-2016, 2028-2029]
Every man asks himself the question: Who am I, and why am I here? How do I find myself? Faith answers: Only in holiness does man become that for which God created him. Only in holiness does man find harmony between himself and his Creator. Holiness, however, is not some self-made perfection; rather, it is union with the incarnate love that is Christ. Anyone who gains new life in this way finds himself and becomes holy.
“Holiness is not the luxury of a few people, but a simple duty for you and me.” St Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)
From Youcat 342. For even further readings, go to Lumen Gentium chapter 40
Heaven is God’s milieu, the dwelling place of the angels and saints, and the goal of creation. With the words “heaven and earth”, we designate the whole of created reality. [Read further from the Catechism 325-327]
Heaven is not a place in the universe. It is a condition in the next life. Heaven is where God’s will is done without any resistance. Heaven happens when life is present in its greatest intensity and blessedness—a kind of life that we do not find on earth. If with God’s help we arrive someday in heaven, then waiting for us will be “what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9).
From Youcat 52
2. Let’s rejoice that we are all called to holiness and eternal life
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Cor 13:13)
How? Even today, we can begin to experience the joy of eternal life by living holy lives in friendship with God and His saints. Invite students/children to always be:
- Joyful in hope– knowing that the way to holiness is not a mystery but is taught by Christ, especially in the eight Beatitudes!
- Faithful in prayer – confident that God is merciful and that united with Christ, we can bear the fruit of holiness.
- Patience in affliction – trusting that we who believe are never alone, for we share a profound communion with God and all His saints- the saints in Heaven, the souls in Purgatory, and the Church on earth!
 Be MercifulIn connection with the Pope Francis’ visit to the Malta, in this Prayer Space one is asked to think about acts of love he/she can carry out in his/her life, and to thank God for his mercy towards him/her. |
 Flame of FaithThroughout this prayer space one is encouraged to reflect on empathy through flames of an oil lamp. |
 Elijah’s JourneyThis seven-step prayer space helps one to reflect on St Elijah’s journey in the wilderness and his meeting with God and connects it with one’s life journey. |
 Find My SaintIn this prayer space we reflect about the life of the saints and how they can teach us to live a better life. |
 St Martin’s BagThis prayer space inspired by St Martin of Tours encourages one to think of good fruitful deeds one can do every day. |
 Pumpkin PrayerThrough the pumpkin activity we will pray to God to help us get closer to Him. |
Readings for Holy Mass of All Saints for children
First Reading
A Reading for the book of Revelation
Rev 7: 2-4, 9-14
And I, John, saw another angel ascending from the east, with the seal of the living God. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God.”
After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
This is the Word of God
Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23 (24), 1-6
Altogether: Lord, this is the people that long to see your face.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
Altogether: Lord, this is the people that long to see your face.
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol or a false god.
Altogether: Lord, this is the people that long to see your face.
They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Saviour.
Such is the generation of those who seek him
who seek your face, God of Jacob.
Altogether: Lord, this is the people that long to see your face.
Second Reading
A Reading from the first letter of St John the Apostle
1 Jn 3:1-3
See how great is Father’s love for us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
This is the Word of God
Thanks be to God
Acclamation before the Gospel
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Mt 11:28)
Alleluia
Gospel
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
Mat 5: 3-12
Glory to you, Lord.
Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered round him, and he began to teach them:
“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!
Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully!
Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!
Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!
Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers.
Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Pizzi Pizzi Kanna
The children gather in a circle. You open the palm of your hand, fingers spread, and someone taps each finger one by one while singing or chanting this rhyme. When the song ends, the finger where the song stops must be folded down or “removed.” This is repeated until all fingers are “gone.” The person whose fingers are removed first is the winner.
Pizzi Pizzi Kanna rhyme (traditional version):
Pizzi pizzi kanna Pizzi pizzi kanna
Dolores ta’ Sant’Anna St Anne’s sorrows
Sant’Anna tal-Morina St Anne of Morina
Ħabba biċċa pellegrina A piece of pilgrim’s coin
Mgħarfa tal-fidda, A silver spoon
Bandiera tal-ħarir. A silk flag
Noli kannoli, Noli cannoli
Insara Qaddisin Christian saints
Tfal Lebsin tal-Wegħda (Children Wearing Saint Costumes according to vows)
In the past, it was common for expectant mothers to make a vow to a particular saint, asking for protection during pregnancy and childbirth. As part of this vow, they promised that their child would wear special clothing in honour of that saint.
It was not unusual to see girls dressed in white, like St Rita, or boys in brown robes, like St Francis. These children would wear their “promise” outfit during the saint’s feast day, and if the feast fell on a school day, they would attend school in their vow attire instead of the school uniform.
POPE FRANCIS
ON THE CALL TO HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD
APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE (Chapter 3, para. 63-66)
There can be any number of theories about what constitutes holiness, with various explanations and distinctions. Such reflection may be useful, but nothing is more enlightening than turning to Jesus’ words and seeing his way of teaching the truth. Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy when he gave us the Beatitudes (cf. Mt 5:3-12; Lk 6:20-23). The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card. So if anyone asks: “What must one do to be a good Christian?”, the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount. In the Beatitudes, we find a portrait of the Master, which we are called to reflect in our daily lives.
The word “happy” or “blessed” thus becomes a synonym for “holy”. It expresses the fact that those faithful to God and his word, by their self-giving, gain true happiness.
Although Jesus’ words may strike us as poetic, they clearly run counter to the way things are usually done in our world. Even if we find Jesus’ message attractive, the world pushes us towards another way of living. The Beatitudes are in no way trite or undemanding, quite the opposite. We can only practise them if the Holy Spirit fills us with his power and frees us from our weakness, our selfishness, our complacency and our pride.
Let us listen once more to Jesus, with all the love and respect that the Master deserves. Let us allow his words to unsettle us, to challenge us and to demand a real change in the way we live. Otherwise, holiness will remain no more than an empty word. We turn now to the individual Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew (cf. Mt 5:3-12).
Click on the links to continue reading Pope Francis’ reflections on each Beatitude here:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” [67-70]
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” [71-74]
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” [75-76]
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” [77-79]
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” [80-82]
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” [83-86]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” [87-89]
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” [90-94]
From Youcat 146
The “communion of saints” is made up of all men who have placed their hope in Christ and belong to him through Baptism, whether they have already died or are still alive. Because in Christ we are one Body; we live in a communion that encompasses heaven and earth. [further read in the Catechism 946-962]
The Church is larger and more alive than we think. Among her members are the living and the deceased (whether they are still undergoing a process of purification or are already in the glory of God), individuals known and unknown, great saints and inconspicuous persons. We can help one another even beyond the grave. We can call on our patrons and favorite saints, but also our departed relatives and friends whom we believe are already with God. Conversely, by our intercessory prayer, we can come to the aid of our dear departed who are still undergoing purification. Whatever the individual does or suffers in and for Christ benefits all. Conversely, this unfortunately means also that every sin harms the communion.
After I recognized that there is a God, it was impossible for me not to live for him alone. BL. CHARLES DE FOUCAULD (1858-1916, Christian hermit in the Sahara Desert)
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together. 1 Cor 12:26
Halloween
1. Let’s not concede to a culture of fear and death.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn 4:18)
Why? There are varied interpretations about Halloween’s origins. Some point to its Celtic pagan roots, such as Samhain, while others see it as an Autumn festival (think of the pumpkin). During these days, while Celtic Christians emphasised the victory of Jesus Christ over death, on this evening, people dress up as various monsters to ridicule them. In a secular culture, Halloween has spread in Malta like wildfire, but for the wrong reasons, often diverging from the deeper Christian meaning of this sacred season and forgetting about the victory of Jesus over death. With love and clarity, help your students and children understand that:
- Halloween is All Hallows (All Saints’) Eve. Still, Halloween as we know it today has essentially become a secular and commercial celebration that often loses sight of the Christian values lived out by the saints.
- The typical symbols of Halloween today —pumpkins, skeletons, witches, vampires, and ghosts—often highlight fear, death, and darkness. As Christians, we remember that Jesus helps us overcome them through love, faith, and hope.
- Life and death are part of our natural and human reality. Halloween is celebrated as an Autumn feast, a season marked by falling leaves and natural decay. Yet, in the light of Christ’s resurrection, Christians see in these signs not only death, but the promise of new life.
Pumpkin PrayerThrough the pumpkin activity we will pray to God to help us get closer to Him. |
 Empty CoffinIn this prayer activity, participants are invited to remember that sadness and death do not have the last word because God can bring life, peace, and hope when seemingly there is none. |
 Dancing SkeletonIn this prayer activity, participants are invited to appreciate life as a gift and to be grateful to God that they are alive today. |
 “Can I have an extra pumpkin template to give to my sister so she will write her prayers too?” |
From the Catechism (Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 3)
Article 11 I Believe In The Resurrection Of The Body
“I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY”
988 The Christian Creed – the profession of our faith in God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and in God’s creative, saving, and sanctifying action – culminates in the proclamation of the resurrection of the dead on the last day and in life everlasting.
989 We firmly believe, and hence we hope that, just as Christ is truly risen from the dead and lives for ever, so after death the righteous will live for ever with the risen Christ and he will raise them up on the last day. Our resurrection, like his own, will be the work of the Most Holy Trinity:
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit who dwells in you.
990 The term “flesh” refers to man in his state of weakness and mortality. The “resurrection of the flesh” (the literal formulation of the Apostles’ Creed) means not only that the immortal soul will live on after death, but that even our “mortal body” will come to life again.
991 Belief in the resurrection of the dead has been an essential element of the Christian faith from its beginnings. “The confidence of Christians is the resurrection of the dead; believing this we live.” How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…. But Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
2. Let’s support a culture of life and love
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21)
How: Think of “backburning”—a firefighting method where fire is used to control fire. In this case, the fire is love. Creatively present positive alternatives like:
- Stories of relatable saints who stood up bravely against evil—both spiritual and social—and became heroes of the faith.
- Encourage children to view saints as true role models and spiritual superheroes: fearless, loving, and good.
- Suggest children dress up as heroes of love and goodness —saints, biblical figures, angels, or even real-life or fictional champions of love—instead of scary symbols.
All Souls Day
1. Let’s not treat death as taboo or something to hide.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” 1 Thess 4:13
Why? For Christians, death is not the end – it’s the beginning of something greater. Therefore, it’s not a barrier to love or connection. Help your students/children see that:
- We can still pray for those who have died, and we believe we still share a deep connection in faith and love. Though the relationship changes, it need not end.
- Death can bring sadness, but it also offers an opportunity to celebrate the life and beauty of our departed loved ones. At school, this can be achieved through the Memory Box activity, which is often done in collaboration with the home.
- On the final day before the mid-term break, students will bring their Memory Boxes (see activity below) to share in class and (if possible) during a Mass dedicated to all departed souls.
 Beads of LossThis prayer space allows one to think of the people we lost and pray for those who are also grieving the loss of someone. |
 Beatitudes: HopeIn this prayer space, one thinks about the worries in life and how God is there to help us. |
 Bottle of TearsThis prayer space invites us to reflect about what makes us sad in life and to give our sadness to God. |
 Bounce BackThis prayer corner helps us to reflect about how to be resilient when we face difficult situations. |
 Broken Heart – PlasterOne is invited to think of those with a broken heart, reflect on what one can do to help, and asked to pray for them. |
 Empty ChairDuring this prayer time one will have the time to talk to God about the nice memories and ones’ feelings related to the gap one experienced with the loss of our dears. |
 Forever SpiralsThis prayer space helps us to reflect about our life as a journey from birth to eternal life with God and our loved ones. |
 Honour WallThis prayer space helps in processing grief and in turning to God who is with us in such a difficult time. |
 Big QuestionsSome of them are ‘head’ questions, things we find difficult to grasp and understand. But most of them are ‘heart’ questions, to do with our experience of pain and suffering, doubt and disappointment, etc. The Bible is full of question-prayers. All of the significant characters in the Bible ask question-prayers of God – Abraham does, David does, even Jesus does – and many of the questions remain unanswered, at least in the way that the ask-er hoped they would be answered. This prayer activity works best when a team member is nearby to encourage the pupils to ask honest questions. Sometimes, students might ask the team member what they think about a particular question. When this happens, the team member needs to answer honestly, even if their answer is “I really don’t know”. The purpose of this prayer activity is to reinforce the idea that questions are OK. In fact, asking honest questions is essential to authentic faith. |
 Il-Ħanżira tal-ErwieħThis Prayer Space helps one to learn about the Maltese ancient tradition related to the month of November when we remember and pray to our deceased brothers and sisters. |
 Letting GoDuring this prayer activity, one reflects on a reflection played that focuses on letting go of worries and trusting God. |
Prayer for the Departed Souls
In the Catholic tradition, there is a beautiful prayer for the departed souls: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen
Liturgical Readings for All Souls Day for children
First Reading
A Reading from the Book of Job
Job 19:1.23-27a
I know that my guardian, Christ is alive, risen from the death. And I as well, after I die, without my body I see God who is all the time beside me and everywhere.
This is the Word of God
Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 26
Altogether: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the refuge of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Altogether: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek,
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Altogether: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
Be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart wants to seek your face
Do not hide your face from me.
Altogether: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Be strong and take heart. Wait for the Lord.
Altogether: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Second Reading
A Reading for the Letter of St Paul to the Roman
Rom 5:5-6, 10.
Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the wicked. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once we become true friends with him, we will be saved by his life.
This is the Word of God
Thanks be to God
Acclamation
Alleluia Alleluia
Christ has risen from the death at the end of time.
Alleluia
Gospel
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
A Reading from the Gospel according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
Jn 6: 37-40
Jesus said to all the people, “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of him who sent me, that is, of my Father. And His will is to take care of everyone so that no one is lost so that everyone believes in Him and is raised up at the end of time.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
The Memory Box
This activity offers students a gentle and meaningful way to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. By gathering special items and sharing memories, children are encouraged to honour their family roots while reflecting on the values of love, gratitude, and hope in eternal life.
Aim
To help students reflect on the lives of loved ones who have passed away, fostering gratitude, healing, and a deeper understanding of the Christian belief in eternal life.
Integration in a Lesson
This activity can be introduced as part of a Religion or Personal and Social Development (PSD) lesson leading up to All Souls’ Day. Begin by discussing the meaning of All Souls’ Day and the importance of remembering those who have died. Explain the Memory Box activity and allow students time in class to share ideas of what they might include. Encourage them to complete the box at home with their family. On the last day before the mid-term holidays, students can bring their completed boxes to school for a special moment of sharing, reflection, and prayer, culminating in a Mass for All Souls where they present their Memory Boxes.
Items that you will need
- A shoe box
- Plain wrapping paper
- Glue and/or adhesive tape
- Pictures to stick to the box (such as flowers, candles …)
Instructions
Select some objects or photos related to that person.
Examples of objects that can be placed inside the memory box include photographs, rosary beads, medals, a name bracelet (from the hospital), a baptism candle, and objects that represent a skill, hobby, or job (excluding precious items).
Find time to talk about that person. Ask the student to discuss how they have helped or taught others. They can tell some jokes or phrases that the person loved to say.
In this way, your children/students build links to their family roots. This would be a moment of healing. There is nothing wrong with getting emotional, and some students may start to cry. But above all, it is a moment where one can thank God for that person and ask Him to give these loved ones eternal rest.
On the last day of school before the mid-term holidays, children can bring back their memory box with the objects inside, so that together they can present them during a Mass for All Souls.
The Tree of Life
The symbol of the tree of life has always represented the concept of everlasting life and the belief that all life is interconnected and springs from the same source. In the Christian faith, Jesus is considered the tree of life. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers us the opportunity to find everlasting life in Him and through Him.
Aim
To help children understand and reflect on the Christian belief in eternal life by honouring the memory of deceased loved ones, fostering emotional expression, family connection, and the values of gratitude, love, and hope.
Items that you will need:
- Powerpoint of art pictures of the tree of life and spirals (see above)
- Small photo of a much-loved deceased family member
- Spiral template (see above)
- glue
Integration in a lesson
A teacher can integrate the Tree of Life activity as part of a Religion, Ethics, or Personal and Social Development (PSD) lesson leading up to All Souls’ Day. The lesson can begin with a class discussion about the meaning of the Tree of Life symbol and its connection to Christian beliefs, especially the promise of eternal life through Jesus.
Next, the teacher can introduce the concept of remembering loved ones who have passed away and explain how sharing their stories keeps their memory alive. The teacher can show examples of spiral designs and explain their symbolism, linking it to the life cycle and continuity.
Instructions
Children can use spiral designs to express, as people did in Neolithic times in Malta, the concept of the life cycle. You are invited to ask the child to choose a much-loved deceased family member, find a small photo of that person, and be allowed to talk about them. Encourage the child to share memories, experiences, or values that this person passed on to them.
This activity provides children with the opportunity to learn more about their departed loved ones, helping them establish a genuine connection with their family roots. It can also serve as a healing moment for the whole family. Although this exercise is designed to celebrate life, it is perfectly natural to express feelings of sadness. Our faith in everlasting life does not take away the pain of separation from our loved ones.
Students can attach the photograph of their loved one to the spiral design and write something meaningful about that person. In this way, students have the opportunity to share stories with their friends and, together, celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us.
On the last day before the mid-term holidays, students can affix their spirals — representing their beloved deceased family members — to a large poster of Jesus as the tree of life. This poster can be placed near the altar so that, during Mass, the children can pray for the souls of all our departed loved ones.
In the Time of the Early Christians
The Meal of Love – Agape
Early Christians did not fear death. For them, death was simply a passage from this world to God. You may have heard someone say about a deceased person, “they’ve gone to the Father’s house.” This reflects the Christian belief that if we live a good life and love others, upon our death, we will be reunited with God the Father. There will be an eternal celebration.
In the first three centuries of the Church, in addition to celebrating the Eucharist, Christians would gather to share a love meal, known in Greek as Agape.
Catacombs of St Marcellinus and St Peter’s Basilica – Rome
In these Roman catacombs, the word Agape is visibly inscribed, and you can see images of people eating and drinking around a table drawn on a tomb. This illustrates the significance of the Agape meal in honouring the dead.
The Agape Table in St Paul’s Catacombs – Rabat, Malta
In Malta, the early Christians also observed the Agape meal, particularly after the funeral of a loved one or on the anniversary of their passing. We know this from the stone tablets found in various catacombs across the island.
These tables often have:
- a central stone slab for placing food,
- excavated niches in the walls to hold oil lamps,
- Evidence suggests that they probably laid out clothes on the floor to sit comfortably around the table.
The meal was simple and modest, meant more as an act of remembrance than a feast. During the meal, participants would pray, sing psalms, and share stories about the deceased. This created a strong sense of unity, not just among those present, but also with the loved one believed to be in heaven.
💡 Ideas to be used in schools
It’s beautiful to honour and remember those who came before us. This can be done in several ways, such as:
- Creating a small memorial or display of their photos (Santa) during November (the month of remembrance),
- Placing these photos in a visible space at home or school,
- Sharing memories or stories of when they were still with us.
An Example
At St Francis School, Msida, a table was prepared in the spirit of the Agape meal, decorated with fruit and candles to commemorate the Feast of All Souls. (picture above)
You can view it here: https://sfsmsida.weebly.com/latest-updates-blog/l-gid-tal-imwiet
1. Labyrinth of Life
A life-themed board or floor game where students move forward toward a “happy ending” based on the good choices they make. If they make a wrong choice, they must return to the start and try again. It’s a fun way to reflect on values and make informed decisions.
2. Good or Bad?
Students are presented with different situations or behaviours and must decide whether each one is good or bad. The class then discusses and reflects together to reach a consensus on the right course of action.
“Everyone has a vision of what is good and what is bad. We want to encourage people to walk toward what is right… This is enough to make a better world.” – Pope Francis
3. Spiral of Life
Invite the students to brainstorm concrete examples of how life continues in cycles (e.g., weekdays, months, seasons, years, life events). This helps reinforce the idea of continuity and fosters a sense of hope.
Songs and music
Music is a powerful tool that helps children and young people engage with deep themes in a creative and age-appropriate manner. Songs that explore life, death, and the hope of resurrection can spark meaningful conversations in the classroom. Educators can use these musical pieces to spark curiosity, prayer, and cultural appreciation—whether through movement, storytelling, or discussion. From playful rhythms, such as “Dem Bones” for early years, to thought-provoking pieces like “Danse Macabre” or “Ġenna u Infern”, each song offers a doorway into the mystery of our faith and the richness of our tradition.
Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns
“Danse Macabre” is a famous symphonic poem composed in 1874 by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. It was originally written as an art song for voice and piano, based on a poem by Henri Cazalis, but Saint-Saëns later reworked it into the orchestral version we know today.
The piece was inspired by the medieval allegory of the “Dance of Death”, which
reflects on the universality of death—that it comes for everyone, regardless of status or age. In this work, Death is imagined as playing a fiddle (represented by a solo violin), summoning skeletons from their graves at midnight to dance until dawn.
“Danse Macabre” blends eerie playfulness with dark beauty, making it a popular choice for All Souls’ Day, Halloween, and educational lessons that explore music, symbolism, and cultural perspectives on mortality.
Pie Jesu” by Gabriel Fau
“Pie Jesu” by Gabriel Fauré is a gentle and deeply moving piece from his Requiem in D minor, composed between 1887 and 1890. Unlike many dramatic settings of the Requiem Mass, Fauré’s version reflects peace, rest, and the hope of eternal light.
The Latin text “Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem” translates to “Loving Lord Jesus, grant them rest.” It is a heartfelt prayer for the souls of the departed, sung with tenderness and simplicity. Fauré’s Pie Jesu is often performed at funerals and remembrance services, making it especially fitting for All Souls’ Day and moments of reflection on life and death.
Ġenna u Infern (Heaven and Hell) by Philip Vella
Ġenna u Infern by Philip Vella employs vivid language and striking imagery to explore moral choices and their eternal consequences, providing a contemporary interpretation of the Catholic understanding of heaven and hell.
Remember Me by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
“Remember Me” is a touching and award-winning song from the Disney-Pixar film Coco (2017), composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Though simple in melody, the song carries a powerful message about love, memory, and the enduring connection between the living and the dead.
Set within the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Remember Me reminds us that those we love never truly leave us as long as we remember them. In an educational setting, this song provides a gentle and emotional way to discuss loss, remembrance, and the hope of eternal life with children.
Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ by Greenfields
Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ, a humorous yet thought-provoking folk song, draws from traditional Maltese beliefs about souls in purgatory, using symbolic storytelling to spark reflection on remembrance and prayer for the dead.
Dem Bones Skeleton Dance – A Popular Nursery Rhyme
Food
Għadam tal-Mejtin (Bones of the Dead)
Għadam tal-Mejtin (literally “Bones of the Dead”) is a traditional Maltese sweet associated with the Feast of All Souls, celebrated on November 2. These bone-shaped pastries are made from a crisp, sweet pastry outer shell filled with a soft, sweet almond centre. Often decorated with white icing to resemble real bones, they are both symbolic and delicious. The treat serves as a reminder of mortality and the importance of remembering loved ones who have passed away. Deeply rooted in Maltese Catholic culture, Għadam tal-Mejtin is enjoyed by families during this time of reflection and remembrance.
Same ingredients as the Figolla
This traditional sweet shares the same ingredients as the figolla, Malta’s popular Easter treat. By using the same elements, our ancestors beautifully expressed the deep connection between Christ’s death and resurrection and our journey of life, death, and eternal hope.
💡 Ideas to be used in schools
“Remembering in Sweetness” – Tasting and Talking
Objective: Help children understand remembrance through sensory experience.
Activity:
- Introduce Għadam tal-Mejtin by showing the shape and explaining its meaning in simple terms: that it reminds us of loved ones who are now with God.
- Let students taste a small piece.
- Encourage them to draw or write about someone they love who has passed away, placing their work on a “Wall of Remembrance” in the classroom.
“Baking with Meaning” – Faith and Food Workshop
Objective: Explore the symbolism of food in Maltese Catholic culture.
Activity:
- Organize a baking session or demonstration of Għadam tal-Mejtin.
- While baking, lead a discussion on the shared ingredients with the figolla and how both sweets represent the death and resurrection of Christ.
- Follow up with a reflection: students write a short piece on how food can preserve memory, faith, and culture.
Interesting Places to Visit
During the season of the Feast of All Souls, visiting cemeteries can be a valuable experience for students. It helps them understand the importance of remembering and honouring those who have passed away. Seeing flowers and candles placed on graves teaches respect, love, and the tradition of praying for the dead. If a priest is present to bless the graves, it becomes a special moment of prayer and reflection, helping students connect more deeply with the meaning of this spiritual season.
One can visit the Adolorata Cemetery in Paola, the Imtarfa Military Cemetery in Imtarfa, or the local cemetery.
The Cypress Tree
The cypress tree is a familiar and meaningful presence in cemeteries across many cultures, particularly within Mediterranean and Christian traditions. Its tall, slender shape and evergreen foliage make it a striking symbol of both mourning and hope. For centuries, it has been planted near graves and along cemetery paths as a reminder of the mystery of death and the promise of eternal life.
The story behind the cypress tree traces back to Greek mythology, where a young man named Cyparissus, a companion of the god Apollo, accidentally killed his beloved pet stag. Overcome with grief, he asked the gods to let his sorrow be eternal. In response, Apollo transformed him into a cypress tree -forever weeping and standing as a symbol of mourning and loss. Due to this tale, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated the cypress with death, grief, and the afterlife.
In Christian tradition, however, the symbolism became even deeper. The evergreen quality of the cypress became a powerful image of everlasting life and resurrection. Planted in cemeteries, the tree silently expresses faith in life after death and the enduring connection between the living and the departed. Its upward-reaching form reminds us of the soul’s journey toward God and the hope we hold in the resurrection.
During the season of the Feast of All Souls, visiting the catacombs can be a meaningful experience for students. It offers them a chance to remember those who died in earlier times, especially the early Christians who were buried there. Exploring these ancient burial sites helps students reflect on the passage of time, the faith of those who came before us, and the importance of praying for all souls, both past and present. It deepens their understanding of history, tradition, and spiritual remembrance.
Examples of local catacombs that one can visit:
St Paul’s Catacombs – Rabat
- Why visit? These are the largest and most well-preserved catacombs in Malta. They offer a deep insight into early Christian burial practices and Maltese religious heritage.
- Educational value: The site includes guided tours and a visitor centre with displays that explain how early Christians lived and honoured their dead.
St Agatha’s Catacombs – Rabat
- Why visit? Known for their beautiful frescoes and rich religious history, these catacombs are linked to the story of St Agatha, who is believed to have taken refuge there.
- Spiritual connection: The presence of a small chapel and religious symbols creates a quiet, reflective space, making it suitable for prayer and remembrance.
Ta’ Bistra Catacombs – Mosta
- Why visit? These are less crowded but still historically important. They provide students with an opportunity to explore a quieter site and learn about various burial chambers and rituals.
- Unique aspect: They offer insights into a mix of pagan and Christian burial traditions.
War Museum / War Monuments
During the season of the Feast of All Souls, visiting the War Museum, old war bunkers, or monuments can be especially meaningful for students. These visits offer a powerful opportunity to learn about wartime history, understand the sacrifices made by others, and reflect on the reality of loss and the value of peace. It encourages students to honour the memory of those who died in war by offering prayers for their souls, connecting historical knowledge with empathy, remembrance, and spiritual reflection in a deeply respectful way.
A crypt (from Greek κρύπτη (kryptē) crypta “vault”) is a stone chamber beneath the floor of a church or other building. It typically contains coffins, sarcophagi, or religious relics. They can also be places where we can honour and pray to our ancestors. An important crypt is at St John Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
The crypt beneath St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta contains the tombs of the first eleven Grand Masters of the Order of St John who ruled between 1522 and 1623. It also features decorative elements, such as painted frescoes and marble floor plaques with inscriptions. The crypt is located beneath the high altar and choir area of the cathedral.
Crypt of St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta.
The Funeral – Colours and Symbols
Liturgical Colours
In the Catholic tradition, the colour purple is commonly associated with the seasons of Advent and Lent. However, it is also the colour worn by the priest during a funeral Mass. The use of black vestments at funerals has declined significantly following the Second Vatican Council.
Purple symbolises penance, forgiveness of sins, and hope. During a funeral celebration, we pray for the soul of the departed and believe that our loved ones are purified through Purgatory by being forgiven for their sins and united with God and the saints in Heaven.
A white coffin is typically used when the deceased is a child, symbolising innocence and purity.
Symbols Used in Funeral Celebrations
Holy Water
The sprinkling of holy water recalls the sacrament of Baptism. It is a sign that the person who has died was a disciple of Christ in life and continues that journey of discipleship even after death.
The Paschal Candle
The Paschal Candle is lit during the funeral as a sign of the light of Christ. Christians believe that in the darkness of death, Christ is our light and hope. It reminds us that the deceased now share in the life of the Risen Jesus.
The White Cloth
Sometimes a white cloth is placed over the coffin. This represents our baptism, when we became part of God’s family, and it reminds us that in death, we will enter into eternal life with God.
The Bible and the Crucifix
The Bible and crucifix are placed on the coffin and carried into the church at the beginning of the funeral Mass. They symbolise the deceased’s dedication to God and their Christian faith. The crucifix reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and affirms our belief in eternal life.
Incense
Incense is a sign that our prayers, along with the soul of the departed, are rising before God Almighty. It is a mark of reverence and a sign of farewell.
Devotion towards the Saints and the Blessed Mary
In Maltese churches, there is a long-standing devotion to saints like Saint Joseph and Saint Andrew Avellino, known as protectors of a good and peaceful death. There is also intense devotion to Our Lady of Souls (il-Madonna tal-Erwieħ) or Our Lady of Mount Carmel, asking her intercession to help the souls in Purgatory reach Heaven.
The revered altarpiece at the Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Valletta depicts Mary giving the Brown Scapular to St Simon Stock while comforting souls in Purgatory, emphasising Mary’s role as a mother and intercessor for her children.
The “Sow” Tradition – Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ
The bond between the living and the dead was so deep that in some villages, a piglet (sow) would be raised communally. When the feast of All Souls approached, the now-grown pig would be auctioned at the village fair. The money raised would be given to the parish priest to offer Masses for the souls of the departed from the village.
Today, although we don’t raise a sow, children can still be encouraged to give a donation or collect money to sponsor a Mass for the souls in Purgatory—especially those souls who are forgotten.
On our website, use this prayer activity related to this tradition
Il-Ħanżira tal-ErwieħThis Prayer Space helps one to learn about the Maltese ancient tradition related to the month of November when we remember and pray to our deceased brothers and sisters. |
All Souls’ Napkin – Is-Sarvetta tal-Erwieħ
Many believe that the custom of children going door to door asking for sweets is American. However, until a few decades after the war, in various Maltese villages, children would go around carrying a soft napkin, collecting sweets and fruit during the days leading up to All Souls’ Day. The treats were given in honour of deceased family members.
Children would sometimes say, “Għall-erwieħ!” (For the souls!) as they received the offerings.
It was also believed that during November, the souls of the dead “spread their napkins” to receive prayers and good deeds done on their behalf.
Further Readings
Purgatory, often imagined as a place, is actually a condition. Someone who dies in God’s grace (and therefore at peace with God and men) but who still needs purification before he can see God face to face is in purgatory. [Read further from the Catechism 1030-1031]
When Peter had betrayed Jesus, the Lord turned around and looked at Peter: “And Peter went out and wept bitterly”—a feeling like being in purgatory. Just such a purgatory probably awaits most of us at the moment of our death: the Lord looks at us full of love—and we experience burning shame and painful remorse over our wicked or “merely” unloving behaviour. Only after this purifying pain will we be capable of meeting his loving gaze in untroubled heavenly joy.
“Therefore he [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” 2 Mac 12:45
From Youcat 159
Spe Salvi – Saved by Hope (chapter 48)
A further point must be mentioned here, because it is important for the practice of Christian hope. Early Jewish thought includes the idea that one can help the deceased in their intermediate state through prayer (see for example 2 Macc 12:38-45; first century BC). The equivalent practice was readily adopted by Christians and is common to the Eastern and Western Church. The East does not recognize the purifying and expiatory suffering of souls in the afterlife, but it does acknowledge various levels of beatitude and of suffering in the intermediate state. The souls of the departed can, however, receive “solace and refreshment” through the Eucharist, prayer and almsgiving.
The belief that love can reach into the afterlife, that reciprocal giving and receiving is possible, in which our affection for one another continues beyond the limits of death—this has been a fundamental conviction of Christianity throughout the ages and it remains a source of comfort today. Who would not feel the need to convey to their departed loved ones a sign of kindness, a gesture of gratitude or even a request for pardon? Now a further question arises: if “Purgatory” is simply purification through fire in the encounter with the Lord, Judge and Saviour, how can a third person intervene, even if he or she is particularly close to the other?
When we ask such a question, we should recall that no man is an island, entire of itself. Our lives are involved with one another, through innumerable interactions they are linked together. No one lives alone. No one sins alone. No one is saved alone. The lives of others continually spill over into mine: in what I think, say, do and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better and for worse. So my prayer for another is not something extraneous to that person, something external, not even after death. In the interconnectedness of Being, my gratitude to the other—my prayer for him—can play a small part in his purification. And for that there is no need to convert earthly time into God’s time: in the communion of souls simple terrestrial time is superseded.
It is never too late to touch the heart of another, nor is it ever in vain. In this way we further clarify an important element of the Christian concept of hope. Our hope is always essentially also hope for others; only thus is it truly hope for me too. As Christians we should never limit ourselves to asking: how can I save myself? We should also ask: what can I do in order that others may be saved and that for them too the star of hope may rise? Then I will have done my utmost for my own personal salvation as well.
The Canticle of the Creatures
Saint Francis is known, among other things, for writing one of the most beautiful poems of the Middle Ages: The Canticle of the Creatures. In this song, St Francis praises God for Sister Sun, Brother Moon, the wind, water, fire, and Mother Earth. Interestingly, Saint Francis also felt the need to praise God for death.
“Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no living man can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin. Blessed are those whom [Death] will find in Your most holy will, for the second death shall do them no harm.”
For St Francis, death is part of creation. He sees it as a step in the journey of life. He certainly did not fear it.
And you? What is your relationship with death?
2. Let’s introduce the deeper Christian understanding of life after death.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me. Psalm 23:4
How: Instead of avoiding difficult topics, share the Biblical view of death as a passage to eternal life – either eternal happiness for those who die in friendship with God or to eternal punishment for those who choose to turn away – in a sensitive, age-appropriate way. Encourage:
- An understanding of the difference between physical death (the end of earthly life) and the spiritual/eternal death, a consequence of unrepentant sins.
- Personal reflection: lead children in an examination of conscience (looking at past thoughts, speech, and actions).
- A prayer activity, such as “Sorry Sand,” allows children to express sorrow for their faults in a tangible way while asking for forgiveness. If possible, hold a penitential service, and encourage those of appropriate age to participate in the Sacrament of Confession.
 Beatitudes: ForgivenessThis is a space where one thinks about how it feels to forgive and to pray to God to help forgive one another. |
 Sorry SandIn this prayer space one is given the opportunity to reflect on the unkind actions we made and invited to pray for forgiveness. |
 Cleansing WaterThrough the tainted pebble with soil, this prayer space invites oneself to think about his/her bad habits and to ask for God’s help to get rid of them. |
 Cutting Through EmotionsWhile cutting through the dough with the shape-cutter which refects your emotion one can offer his/her strongest emotion to God. |
 Father ForgivesDuring this prayer space one reflects on the weight pain and anger bare and the liberating power of forgiveness. |
 Forgiveness StonesIn this prayer space one reflects on the good feeling of letting go and forgiving someone who caused pain. |
 Fizzy ForgivenessIn this prayer space one reflects on forgiving those who hurt us, just like a tablet disappears in water so will our upset and hurt disappear with forgiveness. |
 Flushed AwayIn this prayer space one is asked to reflect on his sins and then presents them to God, who washes them away and remove the stains. |
 Forgiveness For GreedIn this prayer space one is invited to reflect on the greedyness not only globally by mostly personally, and to ask for forgiveness for such greedy actions. |
Bottle of TearsThis prayer space invites us to reflect about what makes us sad in life and to give our sadness to God. |
 Worry BoatsThis prayer activity helps one to understand God’s love in our life turbulences. |
Our faith calls “hell” the condition of final separation from God. Anyone who sees love clearly in the face of God and, nevertheless, does not want it decides freely to have this condition instead. [Read further from the Catechism 1033-1036]
Jesus, who knows what hell is like, speaks about it as the “outer darkness” (Mt 8:12). Expressed in our terms, it is cold rather than hot. It is horrible to contemplate a condition of complete rigidity and hopeless isolation from everything that could bring aid, relief, joy, and consolation into one’s life.
Jesus came to tell us that he wants us all to be in Paradise, and that Hell—of which one speaks little in our time—exists and is eternal for all who close their hearts to his love. Pope Benedict XVI, May 8, 2007
We long for the joy of heaven, where God is. It is within our power to be with him in heaven even now, to be happy with him in this very moment. But to be happy with him now means to help as he helps, to give as he gives, to serve as he serves, to save as he saves, to love as he loves. To be with him twenty-four hours a day, to encounter him in his most frightening disguise. For he said so: “What you did to the least of my brethren, you did to me.” St Teresa of Culcutta
From Youcat 53
The content on this page was collected from various websites, especially from the precious material created by Prof. Adrian Gellel, a professor at the University of Malta.
Għala nedukaw permezz ta’ dawn iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet?
Bħala edukaturi fil-komunità tal-iskola tagħna, huwa kruċjali li ngħinu lit-tfal jirriflettu minn età żgħira fuq is-sens tal-ħajja u l-mewt, mill-lenti tar-raġuni, l-fidi, u t-tama. Il-viġili u l-festa tal-Qaddisin kollha, flimkien mat-tifkira tal-Erwieħ kollha jistednuna sabiex nesploraw il-misteru tal-ħajja lil hinn mill-mewt, b’mod li hu onest, kumpassjonali, u msejjes fuq it-tradizzjoni Nisranija. Dawn iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet, jgħinu lill-istudenti jikbru fil-għarfien tal-imħabba t’Alla, ix-xirka tal-qaddisin, u l-wegħda tal-ħajja ta’ dejjem, fil-waqt li joffru lqugħ għall-biża’ permezz ta’ tama ġdida mimlija fidi.
Il-Kattoliċi jiċċelebraw il-festi tal-Qaddisin u l-Erwieħ kollha, filwaqt li jrawmu l-valuri tal-ħajja, l-imħabba, u t-tama. Dawn iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet isaħħu r-relazzjonijiet tagħhom ma’ Alla u mal-komunità kollha ta’ dawk li jemmnu, dawk li jgħixu fil-Knisja waħdanija ta’ Kristu – fid-dinja, fil-purgatorju u fil-Ġenna. Dawn il-festi huma ċċelebrati filwaqt li n-natura qed tegħleb għall-istaġun tal-ħarifa, allura jgħinuna nirriflettu fuq ir-realtajiet tal-ħajja u l-mewt.
B’dan il-mod, dawn it-tlett ijiem jikxfu is-sbuħija tal-għaqda bejn il-membri tal-Knisja: hawn fuq l’art, fil-purgatorju, u fil-Ġenna – lkoll magħquda fl-imħabba ta’ Alla.
Il-festa tal-Qaddisin kollha tiġi ċċelebrata fl-1 ta’ Novembru u hija uffiċjlament magħrufa bħala s-Solennità tal-Qaddisin kollha. Niftakru f’ħutna l-kbar, dawk li diġa wasslu fil-Preżenza t’Alla u li jgħinuna mill-ġenna permezz tat-talb u l-eżempju tagħhom.
Il-festa tal-erwieħ kollha hija ċċelebrata fit-2 ta’ Novembru u hija magħrufa propja bħala t-tifkira tal-fidili mejtin kollha. Huwa jum speċjali ddedikat għat-talb għal dawk ħutna li wettqu l-vjaġġ tagħhom fuq din l-art u issa jeħtieġu l-imħabba u l-għajnuna tagħna fil-purgatorju. Dan ifakkarna fir-rabta tagħna ma’ dawk li mietu qabilna. Ix-xahar kollu ta’ Novembru huwa kkunsidrat żmien qaddis ta’ tfakkir, meta aħna partikolarment imħeġġa biex nitolbu għall-mejtin għeżież tagħna.
F’ lejlet il-festa tal-Qaddisin kollha (All hallow’s Eve), fil-31 ta’ Ottubru, niċċelebraw lilna nfusna – il-Knisja fuq l-art, li għad trid tissielet biex tasal għand il-Mulej. Fis-snin riċenti f’Malta, Halloween kiber fil-popolarità. Minkejja r-rabta storika mal-festa Kattolika, Halloween illum huwa bażikament festa sekulari u kummerċjali – li ħafna drabi tinsa l-valuri Nsara tal-ħajja, tama u tal-ħajja eterna.
Hekk kif l-Għid il-Kbir huwa marbut mar-rittmu tar-rebbiegħa u l-ħajja ġdida, il-festa tal-Qaddisin u l-erwieħ kollha, huma marbuta mal-ħarifa – staġun sinonimu mal-weraq imwaqqa’ u t-tbiel naturali. Madankollu, fid-dawl tal-Qawmien, l-Insara jaraw f’dawn is-sinjali mhux biss il-mewt, imma l-wegħda ta’ ħajja ġdida. It-tibdil tal-istaġuni, allura, jsiru simbolu ta’ verità aktar profonda: li fi Kristu, l-ħajja tirbaħ fuq il-mewt. Avolja għadna hawn fid-dinja, nindunaw li aħna xorta nistgħu nesperjenzaw il-benefiċċju tal-għaqda bejn il-membri kollha ta’ dawk li jemmnu u jittamaw.
😃 Agħfas fuq is-sezzjoni li tinteressak.
iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet
Q&A – Fuq xiex ser niffukaw jew x’attitudni għandu jkollna lejn dawn il-jiem?
Il-Kattoliċi jiċċelebraw il-festi tal-Qaddisin u l-Erwieħ kollha, filwaqt li jrawmu l-valuri tal-ħajja, l-imħabba u t-tama. Dawn iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet isaħħu r-relazzjonijiet tagħhom ma’ Alla u mal-komunità kollha tal-fidili – dawk fid-dinja, fil-purgatorju, u fil-ġenna. Dawn il-festi huma ċċelebrati filwaqt li n-natura qed tegħleb għall-istaġun tal-ħarifa, allura jgħinuna nirriflettu fuq ir-realtajiet tal-ħajja u l-mewt.
Il-Festa tal-Qaddisin Kollha
1. Ejjew ma’ nieqfux nippromovu veritajiet u valuri eterni
Ejjew … b’ qalbna qawwija nibqgħu niġru t-triq tal-prova li għandna quddiemna (Lhud 12:1).
Għala? Il-qaddisin jispirawna biex inżommu l-eternità quddiem għajnejna, u mhux ngħixu għal mument biss. Wieżen lit-tfal biex jifhmu li:
- Il-“qaddisin” huma rġiel, nisa, kif ukoll tfal, li l-Knisja tirrikonoxihom bħala nies li għexu ħajja “dedikata” għal Alla – u issa qed igawduh fil-ġenna.
- Il-qdusija mhix bogħod minna – tista’ tinkludi lil għeżież tagħna, li “forsi ħajjithom ma kinitx dejjem perfetta, imma, anki qalb l-imperfezzjonijiet u l-waqgħat, issoktaw mexjin ’il quddiem u kienu mogħġuba f’għajnejn Alla” (Papa Franġisku).
- Ilkoll aħna msejħa biex insiru qaddisin, fuq l-eżempju tal-qaddisin – ħbieb ta’ Alla u tagħna – u bl-għajnuna tat-talb tagħhom.
Meet and Pray with St Pier Giorgio Frassati & St Carlo AcutisPrayer activities and other resources related to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. |
Millennials on the way to sainthood |
Respect for the Saints and the Dead |
Learning from the wise |
Learning from the wise – session |
The Saints: Those who love God and Everyone |
Minn Youcat 342
Iva. L-għan tal-ħajja tagħna huwa li nkunu magħquda ma’ Alla fl-imħabba u li nikkorrispondu kompletament għar-rieda ta’ Alla. Għandna nippermettu lil Alla “jgħix ħajtu fina” (Madre Tereża). Dak hu li jfisser tkun “qaddis”. [Aqra aktar mill-Katekiżmu 2012-2016, 2028-2029]
Kull bniedem jistaqsi lilu nnifsu il-mistoqsija: Jien min jien u għala ninsab hawn, kif insib lili nnifsi? Il-Fidi twieġeb: Biss bil-qdusija jista’ l-bniedem isir dak li Alla ħalqu għalih. Biss bil-qdusija jista’ l-bniedem isib armonija vera, bejnu u l-Ħallieq tiegħu. Il-qdusija, madankollu, mhijiex xi tip ta’ perfezzjoni li nistgħu noħolqu aħna stess; imma, hija għaqda mal-imħabba inkarnata li hi Kristu. Kwalunkwe persuna li jigwadanja ħajja ġdida b’dan il-mod, isib lilu nnifsu u jsir qaddis.
Il-qdusija mhux xi lussu għall-ftit, imma dmir sempliċi għalik u għalija. ST. TEREŻA TA’ KALKUTTA (1910-1997)
Għal aktar qari, ara Lumen Gentium kap. 40
Minn Youcat 52
Il-ġenna hija l-ambjent ta’ Alla, id-dar tal-anġli u l-qaddisin u l-għan tal-ħolqien. Bil-kliem “il-ġenna u l-art” nirreferu għar-realtà tal-ħolqien kollu. [Aqra aktar mill-Katekiżmu 325-327]
Il-ġenna mhux xi post fl-univers. Hija kundizzjoni fil-ħajja li jmiss. Il-ġenna hija fejn ir-rieda ta’ Alla sseħħ b’reżistenza ta’ xejn. Il-ġenna tiġri meta l-ħajja hija preżenti bl-aktar intensità u barkiet possibli – tip ta’ ħajja li ma nsibux fid-dinja. Jekk, bl-għajnuna ta’ Alla, xi darba naslu l-ġenna, allura l-istennija għalina tkun “dak li għajn qatt ma rat u widna qatt ma semgħet, u dak li qatt ma tnissel f’qalb il-bniedem, dak li Alla lesta għal dawk li jħobbuh” (1 Kor 2:9).
2. Ejjew nifirħu lkoll li aħna msejħa għall-qdusija u l-ħajja ta’ dejjem
Issa hawn fidi, tama u mħabba, it-tlieta jibqgħu. Il-kbira fosthom l-imħabba. (1 Kor 13:13)
Kif? Mill-lum stess, nistgħu nibdew nduqu l-ferħ tal-ħajja eterna billi ngħixu ħajjiet qaddisa, fi ħbiberija ma’ Alla u l-qaddisin. Stieden lill-istudenti/lit-tfal biex dejjem:
- Jifirħu bit-tama– għax it-triq għall-qdusija mhix misterjuża, jekk inkunu nafu t-tmien Beatitudnijiet, li huma bħal “karta tal-identità tan-Nisrani” (Papa Franġisku).
- Jitolbu bla waqfien – kunfidenti fil-ħniena ta’ Alla u magħqudin ma’ Kristu, jistgħu jaħsdu d-don tal-kuntentizza u jġorru l-frott tal-qdusija.
- Jistabru fil-hemm – jafdaw li huma li jemmnu m’huma qatt waħedhom għax jaqsmu komunjoni profonda ma’ Alla u mal-qaddisin tiegħu – il-qaddisin fil-ġenna, l-erwieħ fil-purgatorju, u l-Knisja fuq l-art.
Be MercifulIn connection with the Pope Francis’ visit to the Malta, in this Prayer Space one is asked to think about acts of love he/she can carry out in his/her life, and to thank God for his mercy towards him/her. |
Flame of FaithThroughout this prayer space one is encouraged to reflect on empathy through flames of an oil lamp. |
Elijah’s JourneyThis seven-step prayer space helps one to reflect on St Elijah’s journey in the wilderness and his meeting with God and connects it with one’s life journey. |
Find My SaintIn this prayer space we reflect about the life of the saints and how they can teach us to live a better life. |
St Martin’s BagThis prayer space inspired by St Martin of Tours encourages one to think of good fruitful deeds one can do every day. |
Pumpkin PrayerThrough the pumpkin activity we will pray to God to help us get closer to Him. |
Liturġija tat-tfal
Qari tal-1 ta’ Novembru – Solennità tal-Qaddisin Kollha
L-Ewwel Qari
Qari mill-Ewwel Ittra ta’ San Ġwann Appostlu (3, 2-3)
Għeżież, issa nafu li aħna wlied Alla, imma x’sa nkunu ’l quddiem mhux muri lilna. Madankollu nafu li, meta hu jidher, aħna nkunu bħalu, għax narawh kif inhu. Kull min għandu din it-tama fih, isir safi bħalma safi huwa Ġesù.
Il-Kelma tal-Mulej
Irroddu ħajr lil Alla
Salm Responsorjali Salm 23 (24)
Inwieġbu flimkien:
It-tajbin jarawk Mulej
Min jista’ jitla’ fuq l-għolja tal-Mulej, min joqgħod fil-post imqaddes tiegħu? Min għandu jdejh indaf u qalbu safja.
Inwieġbu flimkien:
It-tajbin jarawk Mulej
Dan ikollu barka mingħand il-Mulej, u l-ħlas minn Alla, is-Salvatur tiegħu.
Inwieġbu flimkien:
It-tajbin jarawk Mulej
Hallelujah
“Ejjew għandi intom li tbatu u jien nagħtikom il-mistrieħ,” jgħid il-Mulej.
Hallelujah
L-EVANĠELJU
Qari mill-Evanġelju skont San Mattew (5, 1-12a)
F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù kif ra l-folol, tela’ fuq il-muntanja, u wara li qagħad bilqiegħda, resqu lejh id-dixxipli tiegħu. U hu fetaħ fommu u qabad ikellimhom u jgħid: “Henjin il-fqar fl-ispirtu, għax tagħhom hija s- saltna tas-Smewwiet. Henjin l-imnikkta, għax huma jkunu mfarrġa. Henjin ta’ qalbhom ħelwa, għax huma jkollhom l-art bħala wirt. Henjin dawk li huma bil-ġuħ u l-għatx tal-ġustizzja, għax huma jkunu mxebbgħa. Henjin dawk li jħennu, għax huma jisbu ħniena. Henjin dawk li huma safja f’qalbhom, għax huma jaraw ’l Alla. Henjin dawk li jġibu l- paċi, għax huma jissejħu wlied Alla. Henjin dawk li huma ppersegwitati minħabba fil-ġustizzja, għax tagħhom hija s-Saltna tas-smewwiet. Henjin intom, meta jgħajrukom u jippersegwitawkom u jgħidu kull deni fuqkom bil-gideb minħabba fija. Ifirħu u thennew, għax ħlaskom kbir fis- smewwiet.”
Il-Kelma tal-Mulej
Tifħir lilek Kristu
Pizzi Pizzi Kanna
It-tfal jinġabru f’ċirku tond. Kull wieħed jiftaħ il-pala ta’ jdejh, iħalliha ċatta bis-swaba’ miftuħin. Persuna waħda tibda tgħodd is-swaba’ wieħed wieħed waqt li tgħid jew tkanta t-taqbila Pizzi Pizzi Kanna.
Meta t-taqbila tispiċċa, is-saba’ li fuqhu tieqaf l-aħħar kelma għandu jintgħalaq jew jitneħħa. It-taqbila terġa’ tgħaddi mill-ġdid bl-istess mod, sakemm it-tfal ikunu neħħew is-swaba’ kollha.
Min ikun l-ewwel li jneħħi s-swaba’ kollha, jirbaħ il-logħba.
Pizzi pizzi kanna
Dolores ta’ Sant’Anna
Sant’Anna tal-Morina
Ħabba biċċa pellegrina
Mgħarfa tal-fidda,
Bandiera tal-ħarir.
Noli kannoli,
Insara Qaddisin
Tfal Lebsin tal-Wegħda
Ma kinitx xi ħaġa rari li meta mara kienet tqila, kienet tagħmel wegħda lil xi qaddis jew qaddisa biex tkun protetta matul it-tqala tagħha u biex kollox jimxi b’mod tajjeb u bla periklu. L-ommijiet kienu jwegħdu lill-qaddisin li kienu devoti lejhom li, jekk it-tarbija titwieled b’saħħitha, ikunu jlibbsuha skont il-qaddis tal-wegħda.
Għalhekk, ma kienx rari li tara: bniet libsin ta’ Santa Rita, subien libsin ta’ San Franġisk, jew tfal oħra liebsin ħwejjeġ karatteristiċi ta’ qaddisin oħra skont id-devozzjoni tal-ġenituri. Dawn it-tfal kienu jilbsu l-libsa tal-wegħda nhar il-festa tal-qaddis. Jekk il-festa kienet taħbat ġurnata ta’ skola, kienu jmorru l-iskola bil-libsa tal-wegħda minflok l-uniformi.
Halloween
1. Ejjew ma nċedux għall-kultura tal-biża’ u l-mewt.
Fl-imħabba ma hemmx biża’; l-imħabba sħiħa tkeċċi l-biża’ ’l barra (1 Ġw 4:18).
Għala? Hemm interpretazzjonijiet varji fir-rigward l-oriġini ta’ Halloween. Hemm min jisħaq fuq l-għeruq pagan Ċeltiku, bħal Samhain, filwaqt li oħrajn jarawha bħala festa tal-ħarifa (aħseb fil-qargħa ħamra). Matul dawn il-jiem, filwaqt li l-Insara Ċeltiċi tennew ir-rebħa ta’ Ġesù Kristu fuq il-mewt, matul din il-lejl, in-nies jilbsu ta’ xi mostri biex jirridikolawhom. F’kultura sekulari, Helloween infirex bħan-nar f’Malta, imma għal raġunijiet żbaljati – sikwit jiddevja mis-sens aktar profond Nisrani ta’ dan iż-żmien qaddisu jinsa r-rebħa ta’ Ġesù fuq il-mewt. B’imħabba imma b’mod ċar, għin lill-istudenti/lit-tfal jifhmu li:
- Halloween tirreferi għal lejliet il-Festa tal-Qaddisin kollha (All Hallows’ Eve), imma Halloween kif nafuh illum huwa essenzjalment ċelebrazzjoni sekulari u kummerċjali, li jinsa’ l-valuri Nsara mgħixa mill-qaddisin.
- Simboli tipikament marbuta ma’ Halloween illum – il-qargħa ħamra, skeletri, sħaħar, vampiri, u fatati – sikwiet jissottolinjaw il-biża’, il-mewt, u id-dlamijiet. Bħala Nsara, aħna niftakru li Ġesù jgħina negħlbuhom permezz tal-imħabba, l-fidi u t-tama.
- Il-ħajja u l-mewt huma parti mill-ħajja naturali u l-kundizzjoni umana. Halloween hija ċċelebrata bħala festa tal-Ħarifa, staġun immarkat bil-weraq imwaqqa’ u t-tbiel naturali. Madankollu, fid-dawl tal-Qawmien ta’ Kristu, l-Insara jaraw f’dawn is-sinjali mhux biss mewt, imma l-wegħda ta’ ħajja ġdida.
Pumpkin PrayerThrough the pumpkin activity we will pray to God to help us get closer to Him. |
Empty CoffinIn this prayer activity, participants are invited to remember that sadness and death do not have the last word because God can bring life, peace, and hope when seemingly there is none. |
Dancing SkeletonIn this prayer activity, participants are invited to appreciate life as a gift and to be grateful to God that they are alive today. |
“Can I have an extra pumpkin template to give to my sister so she will write her prayers too?” |
Mill-Katekiżmu (L-1 Part, Sezzjoni 2, Kapitlu 3)
Artiklu 11 Nemmen Fil-Qawma Mill-Imwiet
988 Il-Kredu nisrani – l-istqarrija tal-fidi f’Alla l-Missier, l-Iben u l-Ispirtu s-Santu, u fil-ħidma tiegħu għall-ħolqien, għas-salvazzjoni u għat-tqaddis – jasal fil-qofol tiegħu bl-istqarrija tal-qawmien mill-imwiet fl-aħħar taż-żminijiet, u tal-ħajja ta’ dejjem.
989 Aħna nemmnu b’fidi ferma, u għalhekk nittamaw li kif Kristu qam tassew mill-imwiet, u jgħix għal dejjem, hekk il-ġusti wara mewthom għad jgħixu għal dejjem ma’ Kristu rxoxt meta jqajjimhom fl-aħħar jum (ara Ġw 6,39-40). Kif kien il-Qawmien ta’ Kristu mill-imwiet, hekk ukoll il-qawmien tagħna jkun opra tat-Trinità Qaddisa:
Jekk l-Ispirtu ta’ dak li qajjem lil Ġesù mill-imwiet jgħammar fikom, Alla stess li qajjem lil Kristu mill-imwiet iqajjem għall-ħajja wkoll il-ġisem mejjet tagħkom, bis-saħħa tal-Ispirtu li jgħammar fikom (Rum 8,11; ara 1 Tes 4,14; 1 Kor 6,14; 2 Kor 4,14; Fil 3,10-11).
990 Il-kelma “ġisem” (“caro” fil-Bibbja latina) tfisser il-bniedem fil-qagħda tiegħu ta’ dgħufija u ta’ mortalità (ara Ġen 6,3; Salm 56,5; Is 40,6). Il-“qawma mill-imwiet” – “carnis resurrectionem” fil-Kredu bil-Latin – tfisser li wara l-mewt ma jkunx hemm biss ir-ruħ immortali, li ma tmut qatt, imma wkoll l-istess “ġisem mejjet” tagħna (Rum 8,11) jerġa’ jieħu l-ħajja.
991 Il-fidi fil-qawmien mill-imwiet sa mill-bidu kien element essenzjali tal-fidi nisranija. “Il-fiduċja ta’ l-insara, il-qawmien mill-imwiet: għax nemmnuha, aħna dak li aħna”.
Kif jgħidu xi wħud minnkom li ma hemmx qawmien mill-imwiet? Jekk ma hemmx qawmien mill-imwiet, anqas Kristu ma kien imqajjem mill-imwiet. Imma jekk Kristu ma kienx imqajjem mill-imwiet, fiergħa hi l-predikazzjoni tagħna, fiergħa ukoll il-fidi tagħkom … Imma Kristu qam tassew mill-imwiet, l-ewwel frott ta’ dawk li raqdu (1 Kor 15,12-14.20).
2. Ejjew nippromovu kultura ta’ ħajja u imħabba
Tħallix il-ħażen jirbħek, iżda irbaħ il-ħażen bit-tajjeb (Rum 12:21).
Kif? Aħseb fuq “backburning”— metodu użat mit-tifi tan-nar fejn isir ħruq kontrollat bħala miżura preventiva kontra nirien. Fil-kas tagħna, in-nar huwa nar ta’ mħabba. B’mod kreattiv, ippreżenta alternattivi bħal:
- Stejjer ta’ qaddisin li waqqfu kontra l-ħażen – kemm spiritwali u soċjali – u saru eroj tal-fidi tagħna.
- Ħeġġeġ lit-tfal biex jaraw lil qaddisin bħala mudelli veri u supereroj spiritwali: kuraġġużi, kollhom imħabba u tjieba.
- Issuġerixxi lit-tfal sabiex minflok jilbsu simboli tal-biża’, jilbsu ta’ xi eroj ta’ mħabba u tjieba – qaddisin, figuri mill-Bibbja, anġli, jew figuri mill-ħajja ta’ kuljum jew fittizzji, li huma ġganti tal-imħabba.
Jum l-Erwieħ Kollha
1. Ejjew ma nittrattawx il-mewt bħala tabù jew xi ħaġa li taħbi
“Ma rridux li ma tkunux tafu, l-aħwa, fuq il-mejtin biex ma ssewdux qalbkom bħall-oħrajn li ma għandhomx tama“ (1 Tess 4:13).
Għala? Għall-Insara, l-mewt mhux it-tmiem – hija l-bidu ta’ xi ħaġa akbar. Allura, m’hijiex ostaklu għall-imħabba u r-rabta. Għin lill-istudenti/lit-tfal jifhmu li:
- Aħna xorta nistgħu nitolbu għal dawk li mietu u nemmnu li għad għandna rabta magħhom fil-fidi u l-imħabba – Għalkemm ir-relazzjoni tinbidel, m’għandiex għalxiex tispiċċa.
- Il-mewt jaf iġġib dwejjaq, imma toffri wkoll opportunità biex niċċelebraw il-ħajja u s-sabiħ tal-mejtin tagħna – l-iskola, dan jista’ jsir permezz tal-attività Kaxxa tal-Memorji b’kollaborazzjoni mad-dar.
- Fl-aħħar jum tal-iskola qabel il-vaganzi ta’ nofs it-term, l-istudenti jġibu l-Kaxxa tal-Memorji (ara l-attività) biex jaqsmuha ma’ tal-klassi u (jekk possibli) waqt Quddiesa dedikata għall-erwieħ li ħallewna.
Beads of LossThis prayer space allows one to think of the people we lost and pray for those who are also grieving the loss of someone. |
Beatitudes: HopeIn this prayer space, one thinks about the worries in life and how God is there to help us. |
Bottle of TearsThis prayer space invites us to reflect about what makes us sad in life and to give our sadness to God. |
Bounce BackThis prayer corner helps us to reflect about how to be resilient when we face difficult situations. |
Broken Heart – PlasterOne is invited to think of those with a broken heart, reflect on what one can do to help, and asked to pray for them. |
Empty ChairDuring this prayer time one will have the time to talk to God about the nice memories and ones’ feelings related to the gap one experienced with the loss of our dears. |
Forever SpiralsThis prayer space helps us to reflect about our life as a journey from birth to eternal life with God and our loved ones. |
Honour WallThis prayer space helps in processing grief and in turning to God who is with us in such a difficult time. |
Big QuestionsSome of them are ‘head’ questions, things we find difficult to grasp and understand. But most of them are ‘heart’ questions, to do with our experience of pain and suffering, doubt and disappointment, etc. The Bible is full of question-prayers. All of the significant characters in the Bible ask question-prayers of God – Abraham does, David does, even Jesus does – and many of the questions remain unanswered, at least in the way that the ask-er hoped they would be answered. This prayer activity works best when a team member is nearby to encourage the pupils to ask honest questions. Sometimes, students might ask the team member what they think about a particular question. When this happens, the team member needs to answer honestly, even if their answer is “I really don’t know”. The purpose of this prayer activity is to reinforce the idea that questions are OK. In fact, asking honest questions is essential to authentic faith. |
Il-Ħanżira tal-ErwieħThis Prayer Space helps one to learn about the Maltese ancient tradition related to the month of November when we remember and pray to our deceased brothers and sisters. |
Letting GoDuring this prayer activity, one reflects on a reflection played that focuses on letting go of worries and trusting God. |
Talba tal-Mejtin
Talba li tradizzjonalment l-insara jgħidu għall-mejtin: Agħtihom O Mulej, il-mistieħ ta’ dejjem. Id-dawl ta’ dejjem jiddi fuqhom, jistieħu fis-sliem. Ammen
Liturġija tat-tfal
Qari tat-2 ta’ Novembru – Tifkira Solenni tal-Għid tal-Imwiet
L-Ewwel Qari
Qari mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lir-Rumani
Ħuti, meta kien il-waqt, u aħna konna għadna bla saħħa, Ġesù miet għal dawk li kienu bla Alla. Wieħed bilkemm imut għal bniedem tajjeb, għalkemm forsi jkun hemm xi ħadd li jagħmel il-qalb u jmut għal wieħed tajjeb. Iżda Alla wera l-imħabba tiegħu lejna meta Ġesù miet għalina.
Il-Kelma tal-Mulej
Irroddu ħajr lil Alla
Salm Responsorjali
Salm 26
Ngħidu flimkien: Il-Mulej hu d-dawl tiegħi
Ħaġa waħda tlabt lill-Mulej, lilha nfittex:
li noqgħod f’dar il-Mulej il-jiem kollha ta’ ħajti, biex nitgħaxxaq bil-ħlewwa tal-Mulej.
Ngħidu flimkien: Il-Mulej hu d-dawl tiegħi
Isma’, Mulej, il-leħen tiegħi:
meta ngħajjat, ħenn għalija u weġibni. Jien infittex ’il wiċċek, Mulej;
Ngħidu flimkien: Il-Mulej hu d-dawl tiegħi
Akklamazzjoni
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
‘Jiena ma nitlef xejn minn dak kollu li tani, iżda nqajmu mill-imwiet fl-aħħar jum.’
Hallelujah.
L-Evanġelju.
Qari mill-Evanġelju skont San Ġwann (6, 37-40)
F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù qal lin-nies: “Dak kollu li missieri jagħtini jiġi għandi, u min jiġi għandi ma nkeċċihx ’il barra; għax jiena nżilt mis- sema biex nagħmel mhux ir-rieda tiegħi, imma r-rieda ta’ min bagħatni. Issa r-rieda ta’ min bagħatni hija din: li jiena ma nitlef xejn minn dak kollu li tani, iżda li nqajmu mill-imwiet fl-aħħar jum. Għax ir-rieda ta’ Missieri hija din: li kull min jara l-Iben u jemmen fih ikollu l-ħajja ta’ dejjem u jiena nqajmu mill-imwiet fl-aħħar jum.”
Il-Kelma tal-Mulej
Tifħir lilek Kristu
Il-Kaxxa tal-Memorji
Din l-attività toffri lill-istudenti mod delikat u sinifikanti kif wieħed jista’ jfakkar u jiċċelebra l-ħajja ta’ dawk li ħallewna. Permezz ta’ ġbir ta’ oġġetti speċjali u ta’ qsim ta’ memorji, it-tfal jagħmlu konnessjoni mal-għeruq tal-familja tagħhom, jkollhom serħan emozzjonali u jirriflettu fuq valuri bħal-imħabba, gratitudni u t-tama fil-ħajja ta’ dejjem.
Għan
Biex jgħin lill-istudenti jirriflettu fuq il-ħajja ta’ dawk li ħallewna u jkollhom fehma aktar profond tal-fidi Nisranija dwar il-ħajja eterna.
Integrazzjoni f’lezzjoni
Din l-attività tista’ tiġi introdotta f’lezzjoni tar-Reliġjon jew Żvilupp
Personali u Soċjali (PSD) fil-ġimgħat ta’ qabel Jum l-Erwieħ.
Ibda billi tiddiskuti mal-istudenti x’inhu Jum l-Erwieħ u kemm hu importanti li niftakru f’dawk li m’għadhomx magħna. Spjega l-attività tal-Kaxxa tal-Memorji u agħtihom ħin fil-klassi biex jaqsmu ideat ta’ x’jistgħu jinkludu.
Imbagħad, ħeġġiġhom biex ikomplu l-kaxxa flimkien mal-familja tagħhom id-dar.
Fil-jum ta’ qabel il-vaganzi tal-mid-term, l-istudenti jistgħu jġibu l-kaxxa magħhom l-iskola għall-mument speċjali ta’ qsim, riflessjoni u talb, li jintemm b’Quddiesa speċjali għall-Erwieħ fejn jippreżentaw il-Kaxxi tagħhom.
Oġġetti li jkollok bżonn
- Kaxxa taż-żraben
- Karta ikkulurita jew kulur wieħed biex jiksu l-kaxxa
- Kolla jew tape
- Stampi jew disinji biex jiddekoraw il-kaxxa (bħal fjuri, xemgħat, eċċ.)
Istruzzjonijiet
Agħżel xi oġġetti jew ritratti li għandhom x’jaqsmu ma’ dik il-persuna li għaddiet għall-ħajja ta’ dejjem.
Eżempji ta’ oġġetti li jistgħu jitpoġġew fil-kaxxa: ritratti, kurċifiss jew kuruni, medalji, brazzuletta tal-isem mill-isptar, xemgħa tal-Magħmudija, oġġetti li jirrappreżentaw passatempi, xogħol jew talent ta’ dik il-persuna. (m’għandhomx jintużaw oġġetti ta’ valur jew prezzjużi)
Sibu ħin biex titkellmu dwar dik il-persuna. Stieden lit-tfal jirrakkontaw x’tgħallmu mingħand dik il-persuna, jew xi frażijiet jew ċajt li kienet tħobb tgħid.
Dan huwa mument fejn jinbnew rabtiet mal-għeruq tal-familja tagħhom. Jista’ jkun ukoll mument ta’ fejqan. Stenna li xi studenti jsiru emozzjonati jew jibdew jibku – dan huwa mument ta’ gratitudni, fejn wieħed jista’ jirringrazzja lil Alla għall-ħajja ta’ dik il-persuna u jitlob biex Alla jagħtihom il-mistrieħ ta’ dejjem.
Fil-ġurnata ta’ qabel il-vaganzi tal-mid-term, it-tfal jistgħu jġibu l-kaxxa tagħhom lura l-iskola, biex flimkien jippreżentawha waqt Quddiesa għal Jum l-Erwieħ.
Is-Siġra tal-Ħajja
Is-simbolu tas-siġra tal-ħajja minn dejjem intuża bħala kunċett tal-ħajja ta’ dejjem kif ukoll li l-ħajja kollha hija marbuta flimkien u li ġejja mill-istess sors. Fir-reliġjon Nisranija, Ġesù hu meqjus bħala s-siġra tal-ħajja. Bil-mewt u l-qawmien tiegħu Ġesù jerġa’ jagħtina din il-possibilità sabiex fih u permezz tiegħu aħna nsibu il-ħajja ta’ dejjem.
Għan
Li tgħin lit-tfal jifhmu u jirriflettu fuq it-twemmin Nisrani fil-ħajja ta’ dejjem billi tonora l-memorja tal-maħbubin mejtin, trawwem espressjoni emozzjonali u trawwem valuri tal-gratitudni, l-imħabba, u t-tama.
Għandek bżonn
• Powerpoint bi stampi ta’ Siġra tal-Ħajja u Spirali (ara fuq)
• Ritratt żgħir ta’ membru tal-familja mejjet u maħbub
• Mudell ta’ spiral (ara fuq)
• kolla
Integrazzjoni f’lezzjoni
L-għalliem jista’ jintegra l-attività tas-siġra tal-ħajja bħala parti minn lezzjoni tar-Reliġjon, Etika, jew Żvilupp personali u Soċjali (PSD) li twassal għall-festa tal-Qaddisin u l-Erwieħ kollha. It-tagħlima tista’ tibda b’diskussjoni fil-klassi dwar it-tifsira tas-simbolu tas-siġra tal-ħajja u r-rabta tagħha mat-twemmin Nisrani, speċjalment il-wegħda tal-ħajja eterna permezz ta’ Ġesù.
Imbagħad, l-għalliem jista’ jintroduċi l-kunċett li jiftakar fil-maħbubin li jkunu mietu u jispjega kif il-qsim tal-istejjer tagħhom iżomm il-memorja tagħhom ħajja. L-għalliem jista’ juri eżempji ta’ disinji ta’ spirali u jispjega s-simboliżmu tagħhom, u jorbothom maċ-ċiklu tal-ħajja u l-eternità.
Istruzzjonijiet
It-tfal jistgħu jużaw id-disinn ta’ spirali sabiex bħal bnedmin taż-żmien Neolitiċi, jesprimu il-kunċett taċ-ċiklu tal-ħajja. Int mitlub tgħin lill-istudent jagħżel persuna għażiża għall-familja li mietet. Sib ritratt ċkejken jew santa ta’ din il-persuna u agħtihom ċans biex jitkellmu ftit fuqhom, bħal jaqsmu xi storja, esperjenza jew valuri li din il-persuna kienet għaddietilhom.
Dan ikun mument fejn it-tfal isiru jafu aktar lill-persuna l-mejta u b’hekk jibnu rabtiet reali. Mill-
banda l-oħra jaf ukoll ikun mument ta’ fejqan għall-familja kollha. Għalkemm dan huwa eżerċizzju maħsub biex jiċċelebra l-ħajja ma hemm xejn ħażin jekk jintwera espressjonijiet ta’ dwejjaq. Għalkemm nemmnu fil-ħajja ta’ dejjem, il-firda mill-maħbubin tagħna hija sors ta’ uġigħ.
L-istudenti jwaħħlu r-ritratt fuq l-ispiral u jiktbu xi ħaġa ċkejkna fuq dik il-persuna. Din l-attività tagħtihom ċans jaqsmu l-istejjer sabiex, flimkien ma’ sħabhom, jiċċelebraw il-ħajja ta’ dawk li ħallewna.
Fl-aħħar jum qabel il-vaganzi tal-mid-term it-tfal jistgħu iwaħħlu l-ispirali, li issa jirrappreżentaw lill-mejtin maħbubin tagħhom, ma’ poster ta’ Ġesù bħala siġra tal-ħajja. Dan il-poster jitpoġġa ħdejn l-altar sabiex waqt il-quddiesa t-tfal jitolbu għall-erwieħ mejtin kollha.
Fi żmien l-Insara tal-bidu
L-Ikla tal-Imħabba – Agape
L-Insara qatt ma beżgħu mill-mewt. Għalihom il-mewt ma hi xejn ħlief passaġġ minn din id-dinja għal ħdan Alla. Forsi ġieli smajt lil xi ħadd jitkellem fuq xi ħadd li miet u jgħid “Mar għand il-Missier.” Din hija riflessjoni tal-fidi Nisranija li jekk ngħixu ħajja tajba u nħobbu lil xulxin, meta mmutu, ningħaqdu ma’ Alla l-Missier. Se jkun hemm festa li ma tispiċċa qatt.
Fl-ewwel tliet sekli tal-Knisja, barra ċ-ċelebrazzjoni tal-Ewkaristija, l-Insara kienu jinġabru flimkien biex jaqsmu ikla ta’ mħabba, magħrufa bil-Grieg bħala Agape.
Katakombi ta’ San Marċellinu u San Pietru f’Ruma.
F’dawn il-katakombi Rumani, il-kelma Agape tidher miktuba b’mod ċar, flimkien ma’ tpinġijiet ta’ nies madwar mejda, jieklu u jixorbu fuq qabar. Dan juri kemm kienet importanti l-ikla tal-Agape bħala tifkira tal-mejtin.
Il-Mejda tal-Agape fil-katakombi ta’ San Pawl fir-Rabat, Malta.
F’Malta l-ewwel insara kienu jiċċelebraw l-ikla tal-Imħabba fil-funeral ta’ xi ħadd għażiż għalihom u fl-anniversarju tal-mewt tagħhom. Dan nafuh mill-mejda tal-ġebel li hemm f’diversi katakombi li hawn f’Malta.
- ċangatura tal-ġebel ċentrali għat-tqegħid tal-ikel
- niċeċ imħaffra fil-ħitan fejn kienu jpoġġu lampi taż-żejt
- evidenza turi li kienu jixħtu xi drapp fl-art sabiex ikunu jistgħu jpoġġu madwar il-medja u joqogħdu komdi
L-ikla kienet sempliċi u umli – mhux festa, imma att ta’ tifkira. Matul l-ikla kienu jitolbu, jkantaw salmi, u jirrakkontaw stejjer dwar il-persuna li mietet. Dan kien jagħti sens ta’ għaqda, mhux biss bejn dawk preżenti, imma wkoll mal-persuna maħbuba li kienu jemmnu li tinsab fis-sema.
💡 X’Jista’ wieħed Jagħmel l-Iskola
Huwa sabiħ li niftakru f’dawk li mietu qabilna. Dan jista’ jsir b’diversi modi, bħal:
- Nikkreaw rokna żgħira ta’ tifkira (eż. Santa) b’ritratti tagħhom waqt ix-xahar ta’ Novembru.
- Inpoġġu dawn ir-ritratti f’post viżibbli fid-dar jew fil-klassi.
- Nirrakkontaw xi stejjer jew memorji tagħhom minn meta kienu għadhom ħajjin.
Eżempju
Fil-Skola ta’ San Franġisk, l-Imsida, tħejjiet mejda fl-ispirtu tal-ikla tal-Agape, imżejna b’frott u xemgħat biex tfakkar il-Festa tal-Erwieħ.
Tista’ tara l-attività kollha hawnhekk:
https://sfsmsida.weebly.com/latest-updates-blog/l-gid-tal-imwiet
1. Il-Logħba tal-Ħajja
Logħba fuq kartonċina jew mal-art, fejn l-istudenti jimxu ’l quddiem lejn “tmiem ferħan” ibbażat fuq l-għażliet tajbin li jagħmlu. Jekk jagħmlu għażla ħażina, ikollhom jerġgħu jibdew mill-bidu u jippruvaw mill-ġdid. Hija mezz divertenti biex jirriflettu fuq il-valuri u jitgħallmu jieħdu deċiżjonijiet għaqlin.
2. Tajjeb jew Ħażin?
L-istudenti jingħataw diversi sitwazzjonijiet jew affarijiet tajbin u ħżiena. Wara li jaqrawhom, jiddiskutu flimkien u jippruvaw jaslu għall-konklużjoni dwar liema hu l-aħjar mod ta’ azzjoni.
“Kulħadd għandu viżjoni ta’ dak li hu tajjeb u dak li hu ħażin. Aħna rridu ninkoraġġixxu lin-nies jimxu lejn dak li hu tajjeb… dan ikun biżżejjed sabiex nagħmlu dinja aħjar.” – Papa Franġisku
3. Spiral tal-Ħajja
Logħba kreattiva fejn l-istudenti jiġu mistiedna joħolqu eżempji konkreti ta’ kif il-ħajja tkompli għaddejja, bħall-ġranet tal-ġimgħa, ix-xhur tas-sena u l-istaġuni, eċċ. Din l-attività tgħinhom jirriflettu fuq is-sens ta’ kontinwità u ċiklu fil-ħajja.
Kant u Mużika
Il-mużika hija għodda b’saħħita li tgħin lit-tfal u liż-żgħażagħ jinvolvu ruħhom ma’ temi profondi b’mod kreattiv u adattat għall-età tagħhom. Għanjiet li jesploraw il-ħajja, il-mewt u t-tama tal-irxoxt jistgħu jqanqlu konversazzjonijiet sinifikanti fil-klassi. L-edukaturi jistgħu jużaw dawn il-biċċiet mużikali biex iqanqlu kurżità, talb u apprezzament kulturali – kemm permezz ta’ moviment, rakkont ta’ stejjer jew diskussjoni. Minn ritmi ta’ daqq bħall-“Dem Bones” għall-ewwel snin, sa biċċiet li jqanqlu l-ħsieb bħall-“Danse Macabre” jew “Ġenna u Infern”, kull kanzunetta toffri għatba fil-misteru tal-fidi tagħna u fir-rikkezza tat-tradizzjoni tagħna.
Danse Macabre ta’ Camille Saint-Saëns
“Danse macabre” hija poeżija sinfonika, famuża u inkitbet fl-1874 mill-kompożitur Franċiż Camille Saint-Saëns. Oriġinarjament inkitbet bħala kanzunetta tal-arti għall-vuċi u l-pjanu, ibbażata fuq poeżija ta’ Henri Cazalis, iżda wara Saint-Saëns reġa’ ħaddimha fil-verżjoni orkestrali li nafuha llum.
Il-biċċa kienet ispirata mill-allegorija medjevali taż -“żifna tal-mewt”, li tirrifletti fuq l-
universalità tal-mewt – li tiġi għal kulħadd, irrispettivament mill-istatus jew l-età. F’dan ix-xogħol, il-mewt hija immaġinata bħala d-ddaqq ta’ vjolin (rappreżentata minn vjolin idoqq waħdu), li jsejjaħ skeletri mill-oqbra tagħhom biex jiżfnu minn nofs ta’ lejl sas-sebħ.
“Danse macabre” tħallat logħob makabru ma ’sbuħija skura, li jagħmilha għażla popolari għal jum l-Erwieħ kollha, Halloween, u lezzjonijiet edukattivi li jesploraw mużika, simboliżmu, u perspettivi kulturali dwar l-imwiet.
Pie Jesu ta’ Gabriel Fau
“Pie Jesu” ta’ Gabriel Fauré hija biċċa mużika ġentili u kommoventi mir-Requiem tiegħu f’ D minuri, miktuba bejn l-1887 u l-1890. Kuntrarju għal ħafna ambjenti drammatiċi ta’ Quddiesa Requiem, il-verżjoni ta’ Fauré tirrifletti l-paċi, il-mistrieħ u t-tama tad-dawl etern.
It-test bil-Latin “Pie Jesu Domine, Dona eis Requiem” jittraduċi għal “Agħtihom O Mulej, il-mistrieħ ta’ dejjem.” Hija talba mill-qalb għall-erwieħ mejtin, kantata bil-ħlewwa u s-sempliċità. Il-Pie Jesu ta’ Fauré spiss titkanta u tindaqq fil-funerali u f’attivitajiet fejn jiftakru f’persuni li mietu, u b’ hekk hija adattata għal jum l-Erwieħ kollha u għall-mumenti ta’ riflessjoni dwar il-ħajja u l-mewt.
Ġenna u Infern (Heaven and Hell) – Philip Vella
Ġenna u Infern ta’ Philip Vella jħaddem lingwaġġ vivaċi u immaġinattiv biex jesplora għażliet morali u konsegwenzi eterni, u jipprovdi interpretazzjoni kontemporanja ta’ kif il-knisja Kattolika tifhem bis-Ġenna u bl-infern.
Remember Me – Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
“Remember Me” (Ftakar Fija) hija kanzunetta li rebħet l-unuri mill-film Disney-Pixar Coco (2017), il-komposituri huma Kristen Anderson-Lopez u Robert Lopez. Għalkemm sempliċi fil-melodija, il-kanzunetta ġġorr messaġġ qawwi dwar l-imħabba, il-memorja, u l-konnessjoni dejjiema bejn il-ħajjin u l-mejtin.
Ambjentat fi ħdan it-tradizzjoni Messikana ta’ Día de los Muertos (Jum il-Mejtin), Remember Me tfakkarna li dawk li nħobbu qatt ma jħalluna tassew sakemm nibgħu niftakru fihom. F’ambjent edukattiv, din il – kanzunetta tipprovdi mod ġentili u emozzjonali ta’ kif niddiskutu mat-tfal it-telfien, il-memorji u t-tama tal-ħajja ta’ dejjem.
Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ – Greenfields
Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ, hija għanja folkloristika u umoristika. Iżda tqanqal il-ħsieb u tislet mit-twemmin tradizzjonali Malti dwar l-erwieħ fil-purgatorju, billi tuża rakkonti ta’ stejjer simboliċi biex tqanqal riflessjoni dwar it-tifkira u t-talb għall-mejtin.
Dem Bones Skeleton Dance – Popular Nursery Rhyme
Ikel Tradizzjonali
Għadam tal-Mejtin
L-Għadam tal-Mejtin huma ħelu tradizzjonali Malti marbutin mal-festa tal-Erwieħ, li tiġi ċċelebrata fit-2 ta’ Novembru. Dan il-ħelu jieħu l-forma ta’ għadam tal-bniedem u huwa magħmul minn qoxra iebsa ta’ għaġina ħelwa mimlija b’qalba ratba u ħelwa tal-lewż. Ħafna drabi jiġu mżejjna b’ġelu abjad biex jixbah aktar lill-għadam veru. Dan il-ħelu għandu tifsira simbolika u sservi ta’ tifkira għal dawk li ħallewna. Għandhom għeruq fondi fil-kultura Kattolika Maltija u jittieklu b’mod speċjali f’dan iż-żmien ta’ riflessjoni u tifkira.
L-istess ingredjenti bħall-figolla
Din il-ħelwa tradizzjonali tuża l-istess ingredjenti tal-figolla, il-ħelwa popolari ta’ żmien l-Għid. Billi jintużaw l-istess ingrejenti, l-antenati tagħna esprimew b’ mod sabiħ ir-rabta profonda bejn il – mewt u l-qawmien ta’ Kristu (żmien l-Għid) u l-vjaġġ tagħna tal-ħajja, il-mewt u t – tama eterna.
💡 Ideat ta’ x’wieħed jista’ jagħmel l-iskola
“Niftakar fil-ħlewwa” – Induqu u Nitkellmu
Għan: ngħinu lit-tfal jifhmu t-tifkira permezz tal-esperjenza sensorjali.
Attività:
- Introduċi l-Għadam tal-Mejtin billi turi l-forma u tispjega t-tifsira tagħha f’termini sempliċi: li tfakkarna fil-maħbubin li issa qegħdin ma’ Alla.
- Ħalli lill-istudenti jduqu biċċa żgħira.
- Ħajjarhom ipinġu jew jiktbu dwar xi ħadd li jħobbu li għadda għal ħajja ta’ dejjem, u jqiegħdu xogħolhom fuq ‘Ħajt ta’ Tifkiriet’ fil-klassi.
Ħami b’Tifsir – Workshop fuq il-Fidi u l-Ikel
Għan: Nesploraw is-simboliżmu tal-ikel fil-kultura Kattolika Maltija.
Attività:
- Organizza sessjoni ta’ ħami jew dimostrazzjoni dwar l-Għadam tal-Mejtin.
- Waqt il-ħami, mexxi diskussjoni dwar l-ingredjenti komuni tal-Figolla, ħelwa tipika fl-Għid, u kif iż-żewġ tipi ta’ ħelu jirrappreżentaw il-mewt u l-qawmien ta’ Kristu. L-istudenti jduqu biċċa mill-ħelwa.
- Segwi b’riflessjoni: l-istudenti jiktbu biċċa qasira dwar kif l-ikel jista’ jippreserva l-memorja, il-fidi u l-kultura.
Postijiet Fejn Wieħed Jista’ Jieħu l-Istdenti
Ċimiterji
Matul l-istaġun tal-festa tal-Erwieħ, żjara fiċ-ċimiterji tista’ tkun esperjenza ta’ siwi għall-istudenti. Tgħinhom jifhmu l-importanza li niftakru u nonoraw lil dawk li ħallewna. Il-fjuri u x-xemgħat li jitpoġġew fuq l-oqbra jgħallmu rispett, imħabba u tradizzjoni ta’ talb għall-mejtin. Jekk ikun hemm saċerdot li jbierek l-oqbra, dak il-mument isir wieħed speċjali ta’ talb u riflessjoni, li jgħin lill-istudenti jidħlu aktar fil-fond fit-tifsira ta’ dan l-istaġun spiritwali.
Wieħed jista’ jżur iċ-Ċimiterju tal-Adolorata f’Paola, iċ-Ċimiterju tal-Gwerra L-Imtarfa jew xi Ċimiterju ta’ raħal.
Siġra taċ-Ċipress – simbolu ta’ Luttu u Tama
Is-siġra taċ-ċipress hija preżenza familjari u sinifikanti fiċ-ċimiterji ta’ ħafna kulturi, b’mod partikolari fi ħdan it-tradizzjonijiet Mediterranji u Kristjani. Il-forma twila u rqiqa tagħha, flimkien mal-fatt li hi siġra li ma tinżax imma l-weraq tagħha jibqgħu ħodor is-sena kollha, jagħmluha simbolu kemm ta’ luttu kif ukoll ta’ tama.Għal sekli sħaħ, iċ-ċipress kienet titħawwel ħdejn l-oqbra u tul il-mogħdijiet taċ-ċimiterji bħala tifkira tal-misteru tal-mewt u tal-wegħda tal-ħajja ta’ dejjem.
L-oriġini tas-simboliżmu tagħha teħodna lura għall-mitoloġija Griega, fejn żagħżugħ jismu Cyparissus — sieħeb tal-alla Apollo — bi żball qatel iċ-ċerv li rabba u li kien tant għażież għalih. Megħlub bin-niket, talab lill-allat biex in-niket tiegħu jibqa’ għal dejjem. Apollo wieġbu billi biddlu f’siġra taċ-ċipress — simbolu etern ta’ luttu u ta’ telfa. Għalhekk, il-Griegi u r-Rumani tal-qedem bdew jassoċjaw iċ-ċipress mal-mewt, in-niket u l-ħajja wara l-mewt.
Fit-tradizzjoni Kristjana, dan is-simbolu ħa tifsira saħansitra iktar profonda. Il-fatt li s-siġra ma toħrofx, u allura dejjem ħadra, saret xbieha qawwija tal-ħajja ta’ dejjem u l-qawmien mill-imwiet. Meta tħawlet fiċ-ċimiterji, is-siġra taċ-ċipress saret espressjoni silenzjuża tal-fidi fil-ħajja ta’ wara u tal-konnessjoni spiritwali li tibqa’ bejn il-ħajjin u dawk li telqu. Il-forma tagħha li tħares ’il fuq tfakkarna fil-mixja tar-ruħ lejn Alla, u fit-tama li nżommu fil-qawmien.
Katakombi
Matul l-istaġun tal-festa tal-Erwieħ, żjara fil-katakombi tista’ tkun esperjenza sinifikanti għall-istudenti. Toffrilhom l-opportunità li jiftakru f’dawk li mietu fi żminijiet antiki, speċjalment l-ewwel Insara li ndifnu hemmhekk. L-esplorazzjoni ta’ dawn is-siti ta’ dfin antiki tgħin lill-istudenti jirriflettu fuq il-passaġġ taż-żmien, il-fidi ta’ dawk li ġew qabilna, u l-importanza li nitolbu għall-erwieħ kollha, kemm dawk tal-passat kif ukoll tal-preżent. Dan isaħħaħ il-fehma tagħhom tal-istorja, it-tradizzjoni u t-tifkira spiritwali.
Eżempji ta’ katakombi lokali li wieħed jista’ jżur:
Katakombi ta’ San Pawl – Rabat
- Għaliex għandek iżżurhom? Dawn huma l-akbar u l-iktar katakombi mfittxija u ppreservati f’Malta. Joffru ħarsa profonda lejn il-prattiċi tad-dfin tal-mejtin tal-ewwel Insara u l-wirt reliġjuż Malti.
- Valur edukattiv: Is-sit jinkludi tours gwidati u ċentru għall-viżitaturi li jispjegaw kif l-insara tal-bidu kienu jgħixu u kif kienu jiftakru fil-mejtin tagħhom.
Katakombi ta’ Sant Agata – Rabat
- Għaliex għandek iżżurhom? Magħrufa għall-affreski sbieħ u l-istorja reliġjuża rikka tagħhom, dawn il-katakombi huma marbuta mal-istorja ta’ Sant’ Agata, fejn jingħad li kienet sabet refuġu hemmhekk.
- Konnessjoni spiritwali: Il-preżenza ta’ kappella żgħira u s-simboli reliġjużi li hemm, jagħmlu dan is-sit spazju kwiet, riflessiv u xieraq għat-talb.
- Għaliex għandek iżżurhom? Għalkemm dawn huma inqas frekwentati mit-turisti, xorta għandhom importanza storika kbira. Joffru lill-istudenti ċ-ċans li jesploraw sit aktar kwiet u jitgħallmu dwar diversi kmamar ta’ dfin u r-ritwali relatati magħhom.
- Aspett uniku: Joffru ħarsa lejn taħlita ta’ tradizzjonijiet ta’ dfin pagani u Kristjani.
War Museum / Monumenti tal-Gwerra
Matul l-istaġun tal-festa tal-Erwieħ, żjara fil-Mużew tal-Gwerra, fil-bunkers tal-gwerra jew lil monumenti storiċi tista’ tkun ta’ siwi kbir għall-istudenti. Dawn iż-żjarat joffru opportunità qawwija biex huma jitgħallmu dwar l-istorja tal-gwerra, jifhmu s-sagrifiċċji li saru, u jirriflettu fuq ir-realtà tat-telf u l-valur tal-paċi. Hija wkoll ħaġa xierqa li fl-istess waqt jonoraw il-memorja ta’ dawk li mietu fil-gwerra billi joffru talb għall-erwieħ tagħhom, hekk kif jgħaqqdu l-għarfien storiku mal-ħniena, it-tifkira u r-riflessjoni spiritwali b’mod rispettus.
Kripta
Il-kelma kripta ġejja mill-Grieg κρύπτη (kryptē) u mill-Latin crypta, li tfisser “kamra taħt l-art”. Kripta hija kamra tal-ġebel taħt l-art ta’ knisja jew bini ieħor, li ħafna drabi fiha twiebet, sarkofagi, jew relikwi reliġjużi. Kultant isservi wkoll bħala spazju fejn wieħed jista’ jonora u jitlob lill-antenati tiegħu.
Kripta famuża tinsab fil-Konkatidral ta’ San Ġwann fil-Belt Valletta. Din il-kripta fiha l-oqbra tal-ewwel ħdax-il Gran Mastru tal-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann li kienu jmexxu bejn l-1522 u l-1623. Il-kripta fiha wkoll elementi artistiċi u dekorattivi, fosthom affreski mpittra u plakek tal-art magħmula mill-irħam, li jinkludu wkoll kitbiet kommemorattivi.
Il-kripta tinsab taħt l-altar il-kbir u taħt il-parti tal-kor tal-katidral.
Kripta tal-Katedral ta’ San Ġwann, Il-Belt Valletta
Il-Funeral – kuluri u simboli
Il-Kuluri Liturġiċi
Fil‑tradizzjoni Kattolika, il‑kulur vjola huwa ġeneralment assoċjat maż‑żminijiet tal‑Avvent u Randan. Madankollu, huwa wkoll il-kulur li jilbes is-saċerdot waqt Quddiesa ta’ funeral. L-użu tal‑lbies iswed f’funerali naqas b’mod sinifikanti wara l‑Konċilju Vatikan II.
Il‑vjola jirrappreżenta penitenza, maħfra tad-dnubiet, u tama. Matul iċ-ċelebrazzjoni tal‑funeral, nitolbu għar‑ruħ tal-mejjet u nemmnu li l-għeżież tagħna, wara perjodu fil‑Purgatorju, jiġu maħfura minn dnubiethom u jingħaqdu ma’ Alla u mal‑qaddisin fil‑Ġenna.
Tebut abjad jintuża tipikament meta l-persuna li mietet hija tifel jew tifla, bħala simbolu ta’ innoċenza u tjubija.
Simboli użati fiċ-Ċelebrazzjoni tal-Funeral
L-Ilma Mbierek
It‑tberik bl‑ilma mbierek ifakkarna fis‑sagrament tal‑Magħmudija. Huwa sinjal li l‑persuna li mietet kienet dixxiplu ta’ Kristu waqt ħajjitha, u se tkompli tkun dixxiplu tiegħu wara l‑mewt.
Il-Blandun tal-Għid
Il‑Blandun tal‑Għid jinxtegħel waqt il‑funeral bħala simbolu tad‑dawl ta’ Kristu. L-Insara jemmnu li fid‑dlam tal‑mewt, Kristu huwa d‑dawl u t‑tama tagħna. Dan ifakkarna li l-mejjet issa qed jaqsam il‑ħajja tal‑Kristu Rxoxt.
Id-Drapp Abjad fuq it-Tebut
Xi drabi jitqiegħed drapp abjad fuq it‑tebut. Dan jirrappreżenta l‑Magħmudija tagħna, meta sirna membri tal‑familja ta’ Alla, u jfakkarna li fil‑mewt aħna mistiedna għall‑ħajja ta’ dejjem ma’ Alla.
Il-Bibbja u l-kurċifiss
Il Bibbja u s-salib jitqiegħdu fuq it tebut u jiddaħħlu fil knisja mill bidu tal funeral. Huma simboli ta’
kif il persuna mietet iddedikat ħajjitha għal Alla u lejn il fidi Nisranija.
Is-salib ifakkarna fis sagrifiċċju ta’ Kristu u jsaħħaħ il fidi tagħna fil ħajja ta’ dejjem.
L-Inċens
L inċens huwa sinjal li t talb tagħna, flimkien mar ruħ tal mejjet, qed jitla’ quddiem Alla l Onnipotenti. Huwa sinjal ta’ rispett u tislima finali.
Mit-tradizzjonijiet Maltin fuq il-mewt u l-erwieħ:
Devozzjoni lejn il-Qaddisin u l-Madonna
Jekk wieħed iħares lejn il-knejjes tagħna, isib devozzjoni kbira lejn qaddisin bħalma huma San Ġużepp u San Andrea Avellino, meqjusa bħala protetturi tal-mewt it-tajba. Bl-istess mod, insibu rispett profond lejn il-Madonna tal-Erwieħ jew il-Madonna tal-Karmnu, biex permezz tagħha jitla’ t-talb għall-erwieħ fil-Purgatorju sabiex jingħaqdu ma’ Alla fil-Ġenna.
Il-pittura ta’ fuq l-artal fil-Bażilika tas-Santwarju tal-Madonna tal-Karmnu fil-Belt Valletta turi lil Marija tagħti l-labtu lil San Xmun Stock filwaqt li tfarraġ lill-erwieħ fil-purgatorju, filwaqt li tenfasizza r-rwol ta’ Marija bħala omm li tidħol quddiem Alla għal uliedha.
Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ
Ir-rabta tan-nies mal-mejtin kienet tant qawwija li f’ċerti rħula kienu jrabbu ħanżira speċjali, magħrufa bħala l-ħanżira tal-erwieħ. Din kienet titħalla ddur mar-raħal sabiex in-nies jitimgħuha. Meta kien jasal l-Għid tal-Imwiet, il-ħanżir — issa kbir biżżejjed — kien jitla’ għall-bejgħ fil-fiera tar-raħal.
Il-qligħ kollu minn dan kien jingħata lill-kappillan, biex jitfakkru l-mejtin tal-komunità fi quddies speċjali.
Għalkemm illum diffiċli li nerġgħu nintroduċu ħanżira bħal dik, nistgħu ninkoraġġixxu lit-tfal biex jiġbru jew jagħtu xi ħaġa sabiex issir quddiesa għall-erwieħ tal-Purgatorju, speċjalment dawk li ħadd ma jibqa’ jiftakar fihom.
Minn fuq il-website tagħna, tista’ tużu din l-attivita ta’ talb.
Il-Ħanżira tal-ErwieħThis Prayer Space helps one to learn about the Maltese ancient tradition related to the month of November when we remember and pray to our deceased brothers and sisters. |
Is-Sarvetta tal-Erwieħ
Ħafna jaħsbu li t-tradizzjoni li t-tfal iduru mid-djar biex jiġbru ħelu hija xi ħaġa importata minn pajjiżi oħra, bħall-Istati Uniti. Iżda sa ftit snin wara l-gwerra, f’diversi rħula Maltin, it-tfal kienu jduru bis-sarvetta biex jiġbru ħelu u frott matul il-ġranet tal-Għid tal-Imwiet.
Min jiltaqa’ magħhom kien jagħtihom xi ħaġa f’ġieħ il-mejtin tal-familja. Xi nies, waqt li jagħtu frott jew ħelu, kienu jgħidu: “Għall-erwieħ!”
Kien hemm ukoll min jemmen li f’dan ix-xahar ta’ Novembru, il-mejtin jifirxu s-sarvetta tagħhom biex jilqgħu t-talb u l-opri tajba ta’ dawk li għadhom ħajjin.
Minn Youcat 159
Il-purgatorju, sikwiet jiġi ikkunsidrat bħala xi post, huwa fil-fatt kundizzjoni. Kull min imut fil-grazzja ta’ Alla (u allura huwa fil-paċi ma’ Alla u l-bnedmin) imma xorta jeħtieġlu li jissaffa qabel ikun jista’ jara lil Alla wiċċ imb wiċċ, huwa fil-purgatorju [Aqra aktar mill-Katekiżmu 1030-1031].
Meta Pietru tradixxa lil Ġesù, il-Mulej dar lura u ħares lejn Pietru: “U ħareġ ’il barra jibki b’qalbu maqsuma.” — esperjenza daqs li kieku tal-purgatorju. Probabbli hemm purgatorju bħal dan jistenna lil maġġoranza tagħna fil-mument tal-mewt: il-Mulej iħares lejna kollu mħabba – u aħna nesperjenzaw sens ta’ mistħija kbira u niket kbir għall-għaġir ħażin tagħna jew “sempliċiment” talli nqasna milli nuru mħabba. Huwa biss wara dan l-uġigħ li jsaffi li aħna nsiru kapaċi nħarsu f’dawk l-għajnejn kollha mħabba, fil-ferħ perfett tal-ġenna.
Għalhekk [Ġuda l-Makkabi] offra sagrifiċċju tal-purifikazzjoni, biex il-mejtin jinħelsu minn dnubhom. 2 Mac 12:45
Spe Salvi – Salvi bit-tama (kap. 48)
Hawn jeħtieġ insemmu mottiv ieħor għaliex hu importanti għall-prassi tat-tama Nisranija. Fil-Ġudaiżmu tal-qedem hemm ukoll il-ħsieb li nistgħu ngħinu lill-mejtin fil-qagħda intermedja tagħhom permezz tat-talb (ara ngħidu aħna 2 Mak 12: 38-45 tal-ewwel seklu q.K.). Din il-prassi adottawha l-Insara b’naturalezza mill-aqwa u hi ħaġa komuni fil-Knisja tal-Lvant u tal-Punent. Il-Lvant ma jagħrafx it-tbatija tal-erwieħ li ssaffi u tpatti wara l-mewt, imma jagħraf gradi differenti ta’ beatitudni jew anki ta’ tbatija fil-qagħda intermedja. Lill-erwieħ tal-mejtin, b’danakollu, jistgħu jingħatawlhom “faraġ u komfort” permezz tal-Ewkaristija, it-talb u l-għotjiet ta’ karità.
Li l-imħabba tista’ tasal sal-ħajja ta’ wara l-mewt, li hu possibbli li ħajjin u mejtin jagħtu u jirçievu mingħand xulxin, li b’hekk nibqgħu magħqudin flimkien b’rabtiet ta’ mħabba lil hinn mill-konfini tal-mewt – din kienet konvinzjoni fundamentali tal-Kristjaneżmu matul is-sekli kollha u għadha sal-lum esperjenza li tagħti l-faraġ. Min ma jħossx il-ħtieġa li jibgħat lill-għeżież tiegħu li diġà telqu minn hawn xi sinjal ta’ tjieba, ta’ gratitudni jew ukoll ta’ talba għall-maħfra? Issa nistgħu nissoktaw nistaqsu: jekk il-“purgatorju” huwa sempliçement tisfija bin-nar fil-laqgħa mal-Mulej, Imħallef u Salvatur, kif tista’ mela persuna oħra tindaħal, anki jekk din tkun qrib ħafna tal-oħra?
Meta nagħmlu mistoqsija bħal din, irridu nifhmu li ebda bniedem ma hu gżira magħluqa fiha nfisha. L-eżistenzi tagħna jinsabu f’għaqda profonda bejniethom, permezz ta’ ħafna interazzjonijiet huma jinsabu marbutin waħda mal-oħra. Ħadd ma jgħix waħdu. Ħadd ma jidneb waħdu. Ħadd ma jsalva waħdu. Bla waqfien f’ħajti tidħol dik tal-oħrajn: f’dak li naħseb, ngħid, nagħmel, nopra. U bil-maqlub, ħajti tidħol f’dik tal-oħrajn: fil-ħażin kif ukoll fit-tajjeb. Għalhekk l-interċessjoni tiegħi għall-ieħor m’hija xejn barranija għalih, l-anqas wara l-mewt. Fin-nisġa tal-kewn (ħolqien ta’ Alla), ir-ringrazzjament tiegħi lilu, it-talba tiegħi għalih jistgħu jfissru pass ċkejken fit-tisfija tiegħu. U b’daqshekk m’hemmx għalfejn indawru l-ħin ta’ din l-art f’ħin ta’ Alla: l-għaqda tal-erwieħ tmur lil hinn mis-sempliċi ħin tal-art.
Qatt m’hu tard wisq biex tmiss il-qalb tal-ieħor u lanqas qatt m’hu inutli. Hekk jidher aktar ċar element importanti tal-kunċett Nisrani tat-tama. It-tama tagħna hija dejjem essenzjalment ukoll tama għall-oħrajn; hekk biss hija tkun tabilħaqq tama għalija wkoll. Bħala Nsara m’ għandna qatt nistaqsu biss: kif sa nsalva lili nnifsi? Jeħtieġ nistaqsu wkoll: x’nista’ nagħmel biex l-oħrajn isalvaw u titla’ għalihom ukoll il-kewkba tat-tama? Imbagħad inkun għamilt kull ma stajt nagħmel anki għas-salvazzjoni tiegħi personali.
L-Għanja tal-Ħlejjaq
San Franġisk huwa magħruf, fost ħafna affarijiet oħra, bħala l-awtur ta’ waħda mill-isbaħ poeżiji tal-
Medju Evu: L-Għanja tal-Ħolqien
F’din l-għanja, San Franġisk ifaħħar lil Alla għall-ħlejjaq kollha: oħtna x-xemx, ħuna l-qamar, ir-riħ, l-ilma, in-nar, u ommna l-art. Ħaġa sorprendenti u għalina kurjuża hi li San Franġisk jagħżel ukoll li jfaħħar lil Alla għall-mewt.
Mulejja, tkun imfaħħar f’oħtna l-Mewt tal-ġisem li minnha ebda ħaj ma jista’ jaħrab.
Ħażin għal dak li jmut fid-dnubiet il-mejta, imbierka dawk li l-mewt issibhom jagħmlu ir-rieda mqaddsa Tiegħek: għax il-mewt l-oħra ma tagħmilhomx ħsara.
Għal San Franġisk, il-mewt mhix tmiem, iżda parti naturali mill-ħolqien u mezz biex ikompli l-vjaġġ tagħna lejn Alla. Huwa ma kienx jibża’ mill-mewt — għalih kienet laqgħa mal-Ħallieq.
U int?
X’inhi r-relazzjoni tiegħek mal-mewt?
Tara lilha bħala tmiem, jew bħala pass lejn ħajja oħra?
2. Ejjew nintroduċu il-fehema Nisranija aktar profonda dwar il-ħajja wara l-mewt.
Imqar jekk nimxi f’wied mudlam, ma nibżax mill-ħsara, għax inti miegħi (Salm 23:4).
Kif? Minflok nevitaw suġġetti diffiċli, ejjew naqsmu l-perspettiva Biblika fuq il-mewt bħala passaġġ għall-ħajja eterna – jew għall-hena ta’ dejjem, għall-dawk li jmutu fi ħbiberija ma’ Alla, jew għall-kastig ta’ dejjem, għall-dawk li jagħżlu li jduru lura – b’mod sensittiv skont l-età tat-tfal. Ħeġġiġhom:
- Jifhmu d-differenza bejn il-mewt fiżika (it-tmiem tal-ħajja fuq l-art) u l-mewt spiritwali/eterna, bħala konsegwenza ta’ nuqqas ta’ ndiema mid-dnub.
- Jagħmlu riflessjoni personali: iggwida lit-tfal sabiex jagħmlu eżami tal-kuxjenza (jaħsbu f’intenzjonijiet, kliem, u azzjonijiet mill-passat).
- Jipparteċipaw f’attività ta’ talb, bħal “Ramel ta’ Maħfra”, li tista’ tgħin lit-tfal sabiex jesprimu ndiema għall-ħtijiet waqt li jitolbu maħfra. Jekk possibbli organizza servizz penitenzjali, u ħeġġeġ lil dawk ta’ età propizja sabiex jersqu għas-Sagrament tal-Qrar.
Beatitudes: ForgivenessThis is a space where one thinks about how it feels to forgive and to pray to God to help forgive one another. |
Sorry SandIn this prayer space one is given the opportunity to reflect on the unkind actions we made and invited to pray for forgiveness. |
Cleansing WaterThrough the tainted pebble with soil, this prayer space invites oneself to think about his/her bad habits and to ask for God’s help to get rid of them. |
Cutting Through EmotionsWhile cutting through the dough with the shape-cutter which refects your emotion one can offer his/her strongest emotion to God. |
Father ForgivesDuring this prayer space one reflects on the weight pain and anger bare and the liberating power of forgiveness. |
Forgiveness StonesIn this prayer space one reflects on the good feeling of letting go and forgiving someone who caused pain. |
Fizzy ForgivenessIn this prayer space one reflects on forgiving those who hurt us, just like a tablet disappears in water so will our upset and hurt disappear with forgiveness. |
Flushed AwayIn this prayer space one is asked to reflect on his sins and then presents them to God, who washes them away and remove the stains. |
Forgiveness For GreedIn this prayer space one is invited to reflect on the greedyness not only globally by mostly personally, and to ask for forgiveness for such greedy actions. |
Bottle of TearsThis prayer space invites us to reflect about what makes us sad in life and to give our sadness to God. |
Worry BoatsThis prayer activity helps one to understand God’s love in our life turbulences. |
Minn Youcat 53
Il-fidi tagħna jssejjaħ “infern” il-kundizzjoni tal-firda finali minn ma’ Alla. Kull min jilmaħ l-imħabba b’mod ċar f’wiċċ Alla u, minkejja dan, ma jkunx iridha jiddeċiedi li jkollu din il-kundizzjoni minflok [aqra aktar mill-Katekiżmu 1033-1036]
Ġesù, li jaf x’inhu l-infern, jitkellem fuqu bħala “barra fid-dlam” (Mt 8:12). Biex nifhmu fi kliemna, huwa kiesaħ aktar milli jaħraq. Huwa orribbli biex tikkontempla kundizzjoni ta’ riġidità totali u iżolament inutli minn dak kollu li jista’ jgħin, itaffi, iferraħ, u jfarraġ fil-ħajja.
Ġesù ġie biex jgħidilna li jridna lkoll fil-ġenna, u li l-infern – li fuqu ftit nitkellmu llum – jeżisti u hu etern għal dawk li jagħlqu qalbhom għall-imħabba tiegħu. BENEDITTU XVI, Mejju 8, 2007
Aħna nixxenqu għall-hena tal-ġenna, fejn hemm Alla. Jiddependi minna biex inkunu miegħu anke issa, biex inkunu ferħanin miegħu f’dan il-propju ħin. Imma li tkun kuntent miegħu issa jfisser li tgħin bħalma hu jgħin, li tgħati bħalma hu jgħati, li taqdi bħalma hu jaqdi, li tħobb bħalma hu jħobb. Li tkun miegħu erbgħa u għoxrin siegħa kuljum, biex tiltaqa’ miegħu fl-aktar forma moħbija u tal-biża’ tiegħu. Għaliex hu qal: “kulma għamiltu ma’ wieħed mill-iżgħar fost dawn ħuti, għamiltuh miegħi.” SANTA TEREŻA TA’ KALKUTTA
Minn Youcat 67
Fil-qalba tad-dnub hemm iċ-ċaħda ta’ Alla u r-rifjut milli taċċetta mħabbtu. Dan huwa manifestat fir-rigward tal-kmandamenti tiegħu [kompli aqra mill-Katekiżmu 385-390]
Id-dnub huwa aktar minn għaġir żbaljat; mhuwiex biss dgħufija psikoloġika. F’sens l-aktar profond kull ċaħda jew qerda ta’ xi ħaġa tajba hija ċ-ċaħda tat-tajjeb fih innifsu, iċ-ċaħda ta’ Alla. “Fl-iktar dimensjoni profonda u tal-biża’ tagħha, id-dnub hu firda minn Alla u, allura, firda mill-għajn tal-ħajja. Din hija r-raġuni għaliex il-mewt hija konsegwenza oħra tad-dnub. Huwa biss permezz ta’ Ġesù li aħna nifhmu d-dimenssjoni terribbli tad-dnub: Ġesù ġarrab iċ-ċaħda ta’ Alla f’ġismu stess. Hu ħa fuqu il-qawwa qerrieda tad-dnub biex ma tkunx tista’ tolqot lilna. It-terminu li nużaw għal dan hija fidwa.
Fejn kotor id-dnub, kotrot fuq li kotrot il-grazzja. Rum 5:20b
Meta idejn Kristu kienu msammra mas-Salib, hu sammar ukoll id-dnub tagħna mas-Salib. SAN BERNARD TA’ CLAIRVAUX (1090-1153)
Il-kontenut fuq din il-paġna kien miġbur minn diversi websites, speċjalment mill-materjal Prof. Adrian Gellel mill-Università ta’ Malta.
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