Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1137604
NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 JUNE 2019 Experience Australia like never before qatarairways.mt Journey beyond wild coastlines and vast horizons, across the red sands of the outback. Catch sight of koalas and kangaroos and explore lush northern rainforests, or the vivid coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef. Fly with us to any of our five gateways in Australia. KARL AZZOPARDI ARCHBISHOP Charles Scicluna has expressed his concern about young people being introduced to drugs for the first time during Malta's tradition- al feasts. In a video message at the start of the summer festa season, Scicluna warned those who supplied drugs to youngsters that they will face God's judgment, and expressed empathy with parents who worry what their children might encounter at feasts, especially when they return home in- ebriated. The Archbishop was also speaking ahead of a special fundraising event in aid of the Pope's Charity, which is be- ing held today. "I get worried when I hear that young people are trying drugs for the first time while celebrating the village feast of their patron saint," Scicluna said, "[...] Imagine the disbelief you feel if you're a mother or father." The Archbishop also took the op- portunity to drive home the message that both internal and external cel- ebrations have a religious narrative. Scicluna underlined that Catholic values should be reflected in the way village feasts are celebrated, especially when it comes to the way the vari- ous band clubs relate with each other, since this made the difference be- tween a Christian celebration or what he termed a "pagan" day. "Let us not forget that the Catholic narrative must be preserved in the way we talk about each other, espe- cially in relation to band club or vil- lage rivalries," he said. "It is good to celebrate and have fun, but there is a respectable way of doing so," the Archbishop emphasised. Scicluna went on to appeal for peo- ple to show solidarity during today's fundraiser, which is held in various Catholic countries around the world. Archbishop raises concern over drug usage in festas