Gozo Bishop warns against ‘philosophy’ of profit maximisation

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech has insisted that the “current economic paradigm”, which demands profit maximisation at all times has resulted in human life being reduced to a “simple mechanical tool”, only needed to keep the system moving.

In his homily during last Friday’s graduation mass, Grech noted in particular the problem with increasing personal debt in Maltese society.

“Often it is those who do not have the means that borrow; but it is often the case that debt makes the poor, poorer, more so when there is usury,” said Grech.

“We have families that have been destroyed by debt, which more often than not, is made secretly. Sometimes, even youths who are still studying are forced to borrow money and by doing so begin life with this weight on their shoulders.”

He stressed that according to catholic teaching, forgiving the debts of one who could not pay was not a “heroic act” but rather the “application of the principle of the just distribution of wealth”.

“Even if we are not in a position to forgive debt we are owed, we can address this social scourge by each doing our part to build a social order that is just and fair, where nobody steals legally, where we do not let markets govern, and where we are a gentle society that offers compassion to the poor, through actions and not just words,” he continued.

All across Europe, said Grech, poverty was increase while paradoxically, the rich became richer.

Turning to the new graduates, Grech warned them against being blinded by money, and against playing a role in people’s suffering. “Do not allow anyone, in order to use your professional services in a vital context, to have to humiliate themselves and fall into debt.”

Grech told the graduates that while they were right to celebrate their accomplishments they needed to keep in mind that they were indebted. Indebted to their families that supported them, to the university that thought them, and to the society they were a part of.

“Even if tertiary education in our country is free, there is a nation that through its taxes has ensured that we have a good education system. For this reason, it is expected of you as graduates, to repay this debt by doing your part for the common good.”